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.

10.10.5.10 Totalising to Qualify for an Australian Benefit - Agreement with Portugal

Totalising

Article 16 of the Agreement covers totalisation in order to qualify for an Australian benefit.

Portuguese insurance periods can be added to periods of Australian residence to meet minimum residence requirements for Australian benefits under the SSAct. The Agreement allows non-continuous Portuguese insurance periods to be added together and considered continuous as in 10.1.5.20 Minimum Periods Required to Totalise under an Agreement.

People residing in Portugal, or a third country 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 Australian residence is required for people residing in Australia.

The policy regarding overlapping periods discussed in 10.1.5.60 applies to the Agreement with Portugal.

Act reference: SS(IntAgree)Act Schedule 9 Portugal

SSAct section 7(1) Australian residence definitions

Policy reference: SS Guide 10.1.5.60 Overlapping Periods

Last reviewed: