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.

10.10.9.20 Australia to Portugal & Portugal to Australia

Moving between Australia & Portugal

Generally, benefits paid under the Agreement are portable indefinitely when the person travels between Australia and Portugal. This means people being paid benefits under the Agreement can travel between Australia and Portugal without the time restrictions that may apply to autonomous pensioners.

The only exception to this is selected Portuguese benefits listed in Article 6 of the Agreement.

People paid under the Agreement who leave Australia permanently will have their rate calculated using the outside Australia rate in 10.10.8.20 immediately they leave Australia.

People paid under the Agreement who reside in Australia and travel to Portugal temporarily will continue to have their rate calculated using the inside Australia rate in 10.10.8.50 for a period of 26 weeks or less. Once they have been in Portugal for more than 26 weeks their rate will be calculated using the outside Australia rate in 10.10.8.20.

People who come permanently to Australia from Portugal and who do not qualify for an Australian benefit in their own right, will have their rate calculated using the inside Australia rate in 10.10.8.50 immediately they arrive in Australia. Their rate will change to the normal autonomous rate as soon as they meet the usual residential qualifying periods (e.g. 10 years residence for Australian Age).

Act reference: SS(IntAgree)Act Schedule 9 Portugal

Policy reference: SS Guide 10.10.8.20 Outside Australia - Agreement with Portugal, 10.10.8.50 Inside Australia - Agreement with Portugal

Last reviewed: