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.

10.29.4.20 Where People Can Lodge Claims under the Agreement with the Slovak Republic

Where claims can be lodged

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

  • in Australia, at any DHS (Centrelink) office, or
  • in the Slovak Republic, at the Slovak Social Insurance Agency.

Under Article 16, paragraph 2, the date on which a claim is lodged with either of the above authorities is the official date of lodgement for all purposes. This ensures that people in the Slovak Republic are not disadvantaged as a result of mailing delays.

Article 16, paragraph 3 allows a claim for benefit under the legislation of one party to also be considered as a claim for the 'corresponding' benefit from the other party provided that the applicant indicated on that initial claim that they had an affiliation with the other country or that they want the initial claim to be considered a claim under the legislation of the other country.

Also, for Australia, a claim for a Slovak benefit will only be deemed to be a claim for an Australian pension if the Australian claim is received by DHS (Centrelink) within 12 months of the initial claim being lodged.

Act reference: SS(IntAgree)Act Schedule 28 Slovak Republic

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