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.

10.6.5.10 Totalising to Qualify for Australian Benefits - Agreement with Spain

Totalising

Article 9 - Totalisation for Australia - covers totalisation in order to qualify for an Australian benefit.

Spanish creditable periods can be added to periods of Australian residence to meet minimum residence requirements for Australian benefits under the SSAct. The Agreement allows non-continuous Spanish creditable periods to be added together and considered continuous as in 10.1.5.20.

When periods of Australian residence and Spanish creditable periods coincide, they shall be taken into account only once as a period of Australian residence by Australia.

People residing in Spain, or a third country with which Australia has an agreement, must have a minimum of 12 months Australian working life residence (6 months of which is continuous) before they can totalise to qualify for an Australian benefit. No minimum period of Australian residence is required for people residing in Australia.

Act reference: SS(IntAgree)Act Schedule 5 Spain

Policy reference: SS Guide 10.1.5.20 Minimum Periods Required to Totalise under an Agreement

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