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.

10.33.5.10 Totalising to Qualify for an Australian Benefit - Agreement with Estonia

Totalising for an Australian age pension

Article 11 of the Agreement covers totalisation in order to qualify for an Australian benefit.

An Estonian insurance period can be added to periods as an Australian resident in order to meet the minimum residence requirements for Australian age pension under the SSAct. Non continuous creditable periods in Estonia can be added together and regarded as continuous.

People residing in Estonia must have a minimum of 12 months Australian working life residence (6 months of which must be continuous) before they can totalise to qualify for Australian age pension. No minimum period of AWLR is required for Australian age pension that is payable to an Australian resident.

Act reference: SS(IntAgree)Act Schedule 32 Republic of Estonia

Last reviewed: 2 January 2018

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