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.S.140 Shared responsibility agreement

Usage

This definition applies to all payments which are made as the result of an international social security agreement (1.1.A.120).

Definition

A shared responsibility agreement is an agreement which provided for 2 countries to share the social security coverage of individuals who move between them. It does this by:

allowing people to totalise (1.1.T.110) periods in both countries to gain access to payments
allowing people in one country to lodge claims for payments from the other country
providing for proportional payments by each country based on the actual periods spent in either country, AND
arranging portability (1.1.P.310) of payments between countries.

All of Australia's international social security agreements are shared responsibility agreements. Previously, Australia held host country agreements with the UK and New Zealand (1.1.H.80).

Act reference: SS(IntAgree)Act Schedule 3 New Zealand

Last reviewed: 21 March 2022

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.