10.17.4.20 Where People Can Lodge Claims under the Agreement with Croatia
Where claims can be lodged
Claims for Australian benefits covered by the Agreement may be lodged:
- in Croatia with the Croatian Pension Insurance Institute,
- in a third country with which Australia has an appropriate Agreement, with the authority nominated in the Administrative Arrangement to the appropriate Agreement, and
- in Australia with any Centrelink office.
Centrelink will assist people residing in Australia who wish to claim a Croatian benefit. For more information on claiming a Croatian benefit while living in Australia contact Centrelink International Services.
Article 17 of the Agreement with Croatia - Lodgement of Documents - ensures that the date on which a claim is lodged with any of the above-mentioned authorities is the official date of lodgement for all purposes. This Article ensures that people outside Australia are not disadvantaged as a result of mailing delays.
Act reference: SS(IntAgree)Act Schedule 16 Croatia