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.

1.1.Q.15 Qualifying Australian residence

Usage

This definition applies to all payments, where relevant.

Definition

Qualifying Australian residence is defined in the SSAct section 7(5).

Both Age and DSP require a person to have 10 years qualifying Australian residence to qualify for payment (unless exempt).

The 10 years qualifying Australian residence is satisfied if the person has:

been an Australian resident continuously for at least 10 years at any point in the past, OR
been an Australian resident for 2 or more periods that in total exceed 10 years, AND
at least one of those periods is of 5 years duration or more.

Act reference: SSAct section 7(5) A person has 10 years qualifying Australian residence if …

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.1.1 Residence requirements, 3.4.1.10 Qualification for Age, 3.6.1.12 Qualification for DSP - 15 hour rule, 3.5.1.70 Residence qualification for PP - overview

Last reviewed: 6 February 2023

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