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.

10.22.7.20 Outside Australia Rate - Agreement with Korea

Outside Australia rate

Article 17 of the Agreement provides that the rate of Australian benefit paid under the Agreement to a person outside Australia is calculated according to Australian legislation (using the overall rate calculation process in SS(IntAgree)Act section 13).

This means that the person is paid a rate that is proportional to the amount of time they have lived in Australia during their working life (10.22.7.30).

People outside Australia, will have their pension rate calculated based on their working life residence in Australia over a denominator of 25 years.

Temporary return to Australia

People paid under the Agreement who reside in Korea and travel to Australia temporarily will continue to have their rate calculated using the outside Australia rate for up to 26 weeks. Once they have been in Australia for more than 26 weeks, their rate will be calculated using the inside Australia rate in 10.22.7.50.

AWLR changes - 1 July 2014

People who are overseas immediately before 1 July 2014, receiving an affected payment, who return to Australia, on or after this date, will retain their 25 year AWLR, provided they do not remain in Australia for 26 weeks or more from their return date. If they return to Australia for 26 weeks or more, or they cease to qualify for that payment, they lose the 25 year AWLR saved status.

Act reference: SS(IntAgree)Act Schedule 21 Republic of Korea

Policy reference: SS Guide 10.1.9.20 Outside Australia Rate for Agreement Payments

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