Overseas pensioners to prove they're alive

Pensioners living overseas could have to prove to the government every two years they are still alive in order to keep receiving welfare.

Social Services Minister Paul Fletcher told the lower house on Wednesday the proposed new rule would apply to pensioners over the age of 80, with about 25,000 who live overseas fitting the criteria.

As of July this year such pensioners would have to return a "proof of life" certificate to the government, Mr Fletcher said as he introduced the bill, adding that it would ensure taxpayer money was only going to those who were still alive.