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.

10.25.1.20 General Principles of the Agreement with Finland

General principles

The Agreement with Finland is a shared responsibility agreement that helps people to qualify for benefits that they might not otherwise get, and conforms to Australia's shared responsibility agreements by:

  • allowing people to lodge claims for benefits in Australia and Finland,
  • allowing people to totalise to meet minimum residence qualifications for Australian benefits and to meet certain periods of insurance requirements for Finnish Earning-Related Pensions,
  • overcoming residence restrictions on the payment of Finnish Old Age National Pensions in Australia to Finnish nationals and Australian citizens contained in Finnish domestic legislation,
  • allowing Agreement benefits to be paid in Australia and Finland,
  • prescribing the calculation of Australian benefits inside and outside Australia, and
  • arranging administrative cooperation between Australia and Finland.

Act reference: SS(IntAgree)Act Schedule 24 Republic of Finland

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