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.

10.19.1.20 General Principles of the Agreement with Belgium

General principles

The Agreement with Belgium is a shared responsibility agreement that helps people to qualify for pensions they might not otherwise get and conforms with the principles of Australia's shared responsibility agreements by:

allowing people to lodge claims for pensions in Australia and in Belgium,
allowing people to totalise to meet minimum residence qualifications for an Australian pension and to meet minimum insurance requirements for a Belgian pension,
overcoming citizenship (or residence) restrictions on the payability abroad of Belgian pensions contained in Belgian domestic legislation,
allowing Agreement pensions to be paid in Australia and Belgium,
prescribing the calculation of Australian pensions inside and outside Australia, and
arranging administrative cooperation between Australia and Belgium.

Act reference: SS(IntAgree)Act Schedule 18 Belgium

Last reviewed: 9 November 2015

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.