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.

10.19.5.10 Totalising to Qualify for an Australian Pension - Agreement with Belgium

Totalising for an Australian age pension

Article 16 of the Agreement covers totalisation in order to qualify for an Australian age pension.

An insurance period in Belgium can be added to periods as an Australian resident in order to meet the minimum requirements for Australian age pension under social security law. Non-continuous periods of insurance in Belgium can be added together and counted as continuous.

People residing in Belgium 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 must be continuous) before they can totalise to qualify for an Australian age pension. No minimum period of Australian working life residence is required for people residing in Australia.

Act reference: SS(IntAgree)Act Schedule 18 Belgium

Last reviewed: 9 November 2015

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