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.

10.21.8.20 Outside Australia Rate - Agreement with Switzerland

Outside Australia rate

Article 19 of the Agreement provides that the rate of Australian benefit (except DOP) paid under the Agreement to a person living outside Australia is calculated using the overall rate calculation process in SS(IntAgree)Act section 13. This means that the person is paid a rate that is proportional to the amount of time they have lived in Australia during their working life.

The proportionalisation of income discussed in 10.21.8.40 applies to the outside Australia rate. This is applied to all Swiss benefits, including lump sum payments, but not refunds.

Temporary return to Australia

People paid under the Agreement who reside in Switzerland or a third country and travel to Australia temporarily will continue to have their rate calculated using the outside Australia rate above for a period of up to 26 weeks. Once they have been in Australia for more than 26 weeks, their rate will be calculated using the inside Australia rate in 10.21.8.50.

Act reference: SS(IntAgree)Act Schedule 20 Switzerland, section 13 Overall calculation process

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

Last reviewed: