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.

10.7.5.10 Totalising to Qualify for an Australian Benefit - Agreement with Malta

Totalising for an Australian benefit

Article 7 of the Agreement with Malta covers totalisation in order to qualify for an Australian benefit.

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

When periods of AWLR and Maltese periods of insurance coincide, they shall be taken into account only once.

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

Act reference: SS(IntAgree)Act Schedule 6 Malta

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

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