Pensions

The Australian High Commission does not have a Pensions or Social Security office.

Please note: to apply for a pension you must be an Australian resident and in Australia on the day that you lodge your pension application.

UK Residents in Receipt of an Australian Pension

If you live outside Australia and receive an Australian pension you should direct enquiries to:

Centrelink International Services

UK Residents Emigrating to Australia

UK residents emigrating to Australia will not have early access to Australia's social security system and have to accrue 10 years qualifying residence before being eligible to claim the Australian age pension.

Until March 2001, UK residents emigrating to Australia could use their UK pension contributions to help qualify for an Australian pension. This is no longer possible as the Social Security Agreement between the UK and Australia terminated on 1 March 2001.

For further information contact Centrelink as above.

UK Residents Who Have Lived in Australia

If you have previously resided in Australia all enquiries regarding entitlement to a UK Retirement Pension should be directed to:

The International Pension Centre
Tyneview Park
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE98 1BA

Tel: 0191 218 7777; Fax: 0191 218 7381; www.thepensionservice.gov.uk

General Information on Pensions/Social Security

If you need general information about Australian Social Security payments go to the Centrelink website.