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.

10.2.5.20 Totalising to Qualify for a New Zealand Benefit - Agreement with New Zealand

Totalisation

Article 8 of the Agreement covers totalisation for New Zealand.

New Zealand will count periods of working age residence (WAR) in Australia as periods when a person was resident and present in New Zealand for the purposes of claiming NZS or a veteran's pension. The minimum period of Australian WAR needed to totalise is 12 months, 6 months of which must be continuous.

New Zealand will count periods of residence in Australia as periods when a person was resident and present in New Zealand for the purposes of claiming a New Zealand supported living payment. The minimum period of Australian residence needed to totalise is 12 months, 6 months of which must be continuous.

A claimant for NZS or veteran's pension must have reached whichever qualifying pension age is higher at the time they claim to obtain the benefit outlined in Article 8.

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

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