10.21.4.30 Where People can Lodge Claims under the Agreement with Switzerland

Where claims can be lodged

Claims for Australian benefits covered by the Agreement can be lodged:

• in Australia, at any Centrelink office,
• in Switzerland, at any Federal Social Insurance Office, Compensation Office or Disability Insurance Office, or
• in a third country with which Australia has an Agreement that provides for cooperation in the lodgement of claims.

Under Articles 26 and 27 of the Agreement, the date on which a claim is lodged with either of the above mentioned authorities is the official date of lodgement for all purposes. This ensures that people outside Australia and Switzerland are not disadvantaged as a result of mailing delays.

Article 26 also allows a claim for benefit under the legislation of a party to be considered as a claim for the 'corresponding' benefit from the other party providing the claimant has indicated in the claim that they were affiliated with the other party's system.