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Claiming a foreign pension

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Have you ever lived and worked in a country other than Australia? Then there is a good chance that you are entitled to receive a pension from that country.

Australia has international social security agreements in place with many foreign countries, which enables the pension process to happen a lot more smoothly. Additionally, organisations in countries that Australia has international social security agreements with are legally bound to do what they can to sort out your entitlement: research your work history, decide upon payment of a pension (including in arrears), and in some cases even represent you in court if necessary.

To work out if you are eligible and how to claim your foreign pension you need to contact Centrelink. It is the only appointed organisation within Australia that can officially lodge claims of your behalf.  If you are receiving a foreign pension, this may affect the amount of age pension you are entitled to.

Bear in mind also that most foreign pensions and annuities are taxable in Australia, even if tax was withheld from your payment by the country from which the payment came.

To find out more, see the Tax Office's Receiving a foreign pension and Centrelink

Last reviewed 9/08/2012