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.

10.25.5.10 Totalising to Qualify for an Australian Benefit - Agreement with Finland

Totalising for an Australian age pension

Article 13 of the Agreement covers totalisation in order to qualify for an Australian benefit.

A period of insurance under the legislation of Finland can be added to periods as an Australian resident in order to meet the minimum residence requirements for Australian benefits under the SSAct. Non-continuous periods of coverage under the legislation of Finland can be added together and regarded as continuous (if they equal or exceed the minimum continuous period requirements for Australian benefits).

If a period of insurance under the legislation of Finland and a period as an Australian resident coincide (i.e. overlap), the period of coincidence shall be taken into account once only for totalisation purposes.

People who are not Australian residents must have a minimum of 12 months Australian working life residence (6 months of which must be continuous) before they can totalise to qualify for an Australian benefit. Unlike AWLR rate calculation rules, this minimum period cannot be 'rounded up' by one month, therefore the person must have at least 12 full months of AWLR. No minimum period of AWLR is required for Australian residents.

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

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