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.

10.18.5.10 Totalising to Qualify for an Australian Benefit - Agreement with Slovenia

Totalising for an Australian benefit

Article 8 of the Agreement covers totalisation in order to qualify for an Australian benefit.

  • Slovenian periods of insurance can be added to periods of Australian working life residence in order to meet the minimum residence requirement for Australian benefits under the SSAct. Non-continuous Slovenian periods of insurance to be added together and considered continuous as in 10.1.5.20.
  • People residing in Slovenia, 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 WLR is required for people residing in Australia.

Note: While people can use Slovenian periods of insurance to help them to qualify for an Australian benefit, the rate of Australian benefit outside Australia is based solely on their actual periods of WLR in Australia.

Act reference: SS(IntAgree)Act Schedule 17 Slovenia

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

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