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.

10.19.9.20 Australia to Belgium & Belgium to Australia

Moving between Australia & Belgium

Generally, pensions paid under the Agreement with Belgium are portable indefinitely when the person travels between Australia and Belgium. This means that people paid under the Agreement can travel between Australia and Belgium without the time restrictions that may apply to autonomous pensioners.

Australia to Belgium

People paid under the Agreement who leave Australia permanently and travel to Belgium will have their rate calculated using the outside Australia rate (10.19.8.20) as soon as they leave Australia.

People paid under the Agreement who reside in Australia and travel to Belgium temporarily will continue to have their rate calculated using the inside Australia rate (10.19.8.50) for a period of up to 26 weeks. Once they have been in Belgium for more than 26 weeks, their rate will be calculated using the outside Australia rate.

Belgium to Australia

People who come permanently to Australia from Belgium who do not qualify for an Australian age pension in their own right will have their rate calculated using the inside Australia rate (10.19.8.50) as soon as they arrive in Australia. Their rate will change to the normal autonomous rate as soon as they meet the usual residential qualification periods, for example, 10 years residence for Australian age pension.

People paid under the Agreement who reside in Belgium and travel to Australia temporarily will continue to have their rate calculated using the outside Australia rate (10.19.8.20) 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.

Act reference: SS(IntAgree)Act Schedule 18 Belgium

Policy reference: SS Guide 10.19.8.20 Outside Australia Rate - Agreement with Belgium, 10.19.8.50 Inside Australia Rate - Agreement with Belgium

Last reviewed: