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.

10.15.9.20 Australia to USA & USA to Australia

Moving between Australia & the USA

Generally, payments made under the Agreement are portable indefinitely if the person travels between Australia and the USA. This means people being paid benefits under the Agreement can travel between Australia and the USA without time restrictions that may apply to autonomous pensioners.

Australia to USA

People paid under the Agreement who reside in Australia and travel to the USA temporarily will continue to have their rate calculated using the inside Australia rate (10.15.8.50) for a period of 26 weeks. Once they have been in the USA for more than 26 weeks their rate will be calculated using the outside Australia rate (10.15.8.20).

People paid under the Agreement who leave Australia permanently will have their rate calculated using the outside Australia rate as soon as they leave Australia.

USA to Australia

People paid under the Agreement who reside in the USA and travel to Australia temporarily will continue to have their rate calculated using the outside Australia rate (10.15.8.20) for a period of 26 weeks. Once they have been in Australia for more than 26 weeks their rate will be calculated using the inside Australia rate (10.15.8.50).

People who come to Australia permanently and who do not qualify for an Australian benefit autonomously, will have their rate calculated using the inside Australia rate 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, (e.g. 10 years residence is required for Age).

Act reference: SS(IntAgree)Act Schedule 13 USA

Policy reference: SS Guide 10.15.8.20 Outside Australia Rate - Agreement with the USA, 10.15.8.50 Inside Australia Rate - Agreement with the USA

Last reviewed: