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.

10.11.7.10 Arrears of Austrian Benefits

Advance payments & overpayments

Article 16 of the Agreement with Austria contains provisions that allow either country to withhold from the arrears of the other country's benefit the amount that it would not have paid if the other country had begun to pay its benefit earlier.

When an Australian pensioner is granted an Austrian benefit, it is used to reassess the person's rate of Australian benefit. The rate of Australian benefit is reassessed retrospectively to determine whether the person has received a higher rate of Australian benefit than they were entitled.

If Austria has been paying a benefit to a person to whom Australia subsequently grants a 'corresponding' benefit, the Austrian benefit will undergo a slight reduction, retrospectively.

Act reference: SS(IntAgree)Act Schedule 10 Austria

Policy reference: SS Guide 10.1.8.10 Arrears of Foreign Payment

Last reviewed: 20 March 2017

The Australian Government acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, water, culture and community. We pay our respects to the Elders both past and present.