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.

10.24.7.30 Australian Working Life Residence - Agreement with Japan

Australian working life residence

Generally, in Australian legislation, a person's AWLR is the period during which they were Australian residents beginning when the person turns 16 and ends when the person reaches age pension age.

Article 1 of the Agreement defines periods of Australian working life residence as a period defined in Australian legislation, but only during which a person was employed or self-employed.

Article 17 of the Agreement defines periods of Australian working life residence as a period defined in Australian legislation for Articles 15 and 16 of the Agreement (Australian pension totalisation and rate calculation rules).

This means that when the totalisation provisions of Article 18 are being utilised to qualify for a Japanese benefit, only AWLR during which the person was employed or self-employed can be used. When the totalisation provisions of Article 15 and calculation provisions of Article 16 are being utilised to qualify for, and calculate, an Australian benefit, all AWLR periods can be used.

Act reference: SS(IntAgree)Act Schedule 23 Japan, section 15 Working life

Last reviewed: