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.

10.2.4.20 Where People Can Lodge Claims under the Agreement with New Zealand

Where claims can be lodged

Claims for Australian and New Zealand benefits covered by the Agreement may be lodged:

Article 17 - Lodgement of Documents - of the Agreement allows for the date a claim is lodged in one country to be the date that claim is lodged in the other country.

Article 17 also allows for the date of a claim for a benefit in one country to be backdated to the date of an earlier claim for a corresponding benefit in the other country if:

  • the claimant provides information that they have completed a period of working age residence in the other country, and
  • the relevant competent institution receives the claim for their benefit within 12 months of the date of lodgement of the first claim, and
  • the claimant is applying for age pension or NZS they have reached whichever qualifying pension age is higher at the time they claim.

Act reference: SS(IntAgree)Act Schedule 3 New Zealand

Last reviewed: