Australia-Italy Social Security Agreement: What You Need to Know
If you are an Australian citizen moving to Italy or an Italian citizen coming to Australia, you may be wondering about the social security arrangements between the two countries. Luckily, there is a Social Security Agreement (SSA) in place that may assist you in receiving certain social security benefits.
The SSA between Australia and Italy was signed on 1 July 2019, and was designed to improve the protection of social security rights for people who have spent parts of their working lives in both countries. The agreement covers social security payments for retirement, disability and survivor benefits.
Some key points of the SSA include:
1. Coverage
The SSA covers individuals who are Australian or Italian citizens, as well as those who are permanent residents of either country. It also applies to family members and dependents of those individuals.
2. Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for social security benefits, you must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the agreement. For example, to receive retirement benefits, you must have made contributions in both Australia and Italy. The criteria for disability and survivor benefits are different.
3. Portable benefits
One of the most significant advantages of the SSA is that it allows for the portability of social security benefits. This means that if you have worked in both countries, you will be able to access your social security benefits regardless of which country you reside in. This is especially important for those who move frequently between Australia and Italy.
4. Totalisation
The SSA also includes a totalisation provision, which means that periods of insurance or residence in one country may be added to periods of insurance or residence in the other country to meet eligibility criteria. This is beneficial for those who have not worked in both countries for long periods of time.
5. Application process
To apply for social security benefits under the SSA, you must contact the relevant Australian or Italian authorities. It is important to note that the application process may be different for each country, so it is best to seek advice from the relevant authorities.
In conclusion, the Australia-Italy Social Security Agreement is designed to provide greater protection for social security rights for those who have spent parts of their working lives in both countries. It covers retirement, disability and survivor benefits, and allows for the portability of benefits. If you are considering moving between Australia and Italy, be sure to seek advice from the relevant authorities to ensure that you are eligible for social security benefits under this agreement.