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.

10.31.5.10 Totalising to Qualify for an Australian Benefit - Agreement with Latvia

Totalising for an Australian age pension

Article 11 of the Agreement covers totalisation (1.1.T.110) in order to qualify for an Australian benefit.

A Latvian insurance period can be added to periods as an Australian resident in order to meet the minimum residence requirements for Australian age pension under the SSAct. Non continuous creditable periods in Latvia can be added together and regarded as continuous.

People residing in Latvia 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 Australian age pension. No minimum period of AWLR is required for Australian age pension that is payable to an Australian resident.

Act reference: SS(IntAgree)Act Schedule 30 Republic of Latvia

Last reviewed: 2 January 2019

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