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.

10.8.4.20 Where People Can Lodge Claims under the Agreement with the Netherlands

Where claims can be lodged

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

  • in the Netherlands at any office of the Sociale Verzekeringsbank, or in the case of DSP, Uitvoering Werknemersverzekeringen Gak,
  • in a third country, with which Australia has an appropriate agreement, with the authority nominated in the Administrative Arrangement to that agreement, and
  • in Australia, with any Centrelink office.

Article 21 of the Agreement with the Netherlands allows for the date on which a claim is lodged with any of the authorities mentioned above to be the official date of lodgement for all purposes.

Article 21 allows a claim for benefit under the legislation of one party to be deemed a claim for the corresponding benefit under the legislation of the other party, provided the applicant:

  • requests that it be considered an application under the legislation of the other party, or
  • provides information at the time of application indicating that periods of residence or periods of insurance have been completed under the legislation of the other party and the claim is received by the other party within 6 months from the date of lodgement with the first party.

Act reference: SS(IntAgree)Act Schedule 7 The Netherlands

Last reviewed: