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.

10.17.5.10 Totalising to Qualify for an Australian Benefit- Agreement with Croatia

Totalising for an Australian benefit

Article 13 of the Agreement covers totalisation in order to qualify for an Australian benefit.

Croatian periods of insurance may be added to periods of Australian residence to meet minimum residence requirements for a benefit under the SSAct. Non-continuous Croatian periods of insurance can be added together and considered continuous see 10.1.5.20.

People residing in Croatia, or third countries with which Australia has an Agreement, must have a minimum of 12 months Australian working life residence (6 months of which is continuous) before they can totalise to qualify for an Australian benefit. No minimum period of WLR is required for people residing in Australia.

Note: While people can use Croatian periods of insurance to help them qualify for an Australian benefit, the rate of Australian benefit outside Australia is based solely on their actual periods of WLR in Australia - see 10.1.5.20.

Act reference: SS(IntAgree)Act Schedule 16 Croatia

Policy reference: SS Guide 10.1.9.20 Outside Australia Rate for Agreement Payments

Last reviewed: