The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

1.1.C.230 Comparable foreign payments (CFPs)

Usage

This definition applies to the following payments:

  • age pension
  • parenting payment
  • disability support pension, and
  • carer payment.

Note: This definition also previously applied to WP, WidB and BVA, which ceased from 20 March 2020, and WA, which ceased from 1 January 2022.

Definition of a CFP

A CFP is a payment that is similar to an Australian social security pension and regulated through another country's national social security laws. It is paid periodically to provide income in respect of:

  • retirement
  • old age
  • invalidity
  • disability
  • widowhood, or
  • survivorship.

It also includes:

  • payments made to a partner or carer, and
  • payments from entities, such as companies and business enterprises, that are regulated through a foreign country's national social security law.

The following are NOT CFPs:

  • payments through private or voluntary investment schemes, such as private superannuation-like schemes or private annuities, and
  • war, service and restitution pensions and compensation payments from other countries.

Act reference: SSAct section 23(1)-'comparable foreign payment'

Policy reference: SS Guide 7.3 Comparable foreign payments, 4.3.6 Income from overseas, including pensions, war pensions & restitution payments

Last reviewed: