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.

10.14.5.10 Totalising to Qualify for an Australian Benefit - Agreement with Germany

Totalising for an Australian benefit

Article 7 of the Agreement with Germany covers totalisation in order to qualify for an Australian benefit.

  • German periods of coverage can be added to periods of Australian residence in order to meet minimum residence requirements for Australian benefits under the SSAct. The Agreement allows non-continuous German periods of coverage to be added together and considered continuous as in 10.1.5.20.
  • People residing in Germany, or a third country with which Australia has an agreement, must have a minimum of 12 months Australian working life residence (6 months of which is continuous) before they can totalise to qualify for an Australian benefit. No minimum period of working life residence is required for people residing in Australia.

Note: While people can use German periods of coverage to help them qualify for an Australian benefit, the rate of Australian benefit outside Australia is based solely on their actual periods of working life residence in Australia (10.1.9.20).

Act reference: SS(IntAgree)Act Schedule 14 Germany

Policy reference: SS Guide 10.1.5.20 Minimum Periods Required to Totalise under an Agreements

Last reviewed: