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.

10.2.5.10 Totalising to Qualify for an Australian Benefit - Agreement with New Zealand

Totalising

Article 12 covers totalisation in order to qualify for an Australian benefit.

Periods of working age residence (WAR) in New Zealand can be counted as periods of Australian residence to meet the minimum residence requirements for a benefit under the SSAct.

People residing in New Zealand must have a minimum of one year of Australian WAR (6 months of which must be continuous) before they can totalise and qualify for an Australian benefit. No minimum period of WAR is required for people residing in Australia.

The policy regarding overlapping periods discussed in 10.1.5.60 applies to the Agreement with New Zealand.

A claimant for Age must have reached whichever qualifying pension age is higher at the time they claim to obtain the benefit outlined in Article 12.

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

Policy reference: SS Guide 10.1.5.60 Overlapping Periods

Last reviewed: 3 July 2017

The Australian Government acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, water, culture and community. We pay our respects to the Elders both past and present.