Social Security Agreement between Canada and Australia: Everything You Need to Know
Are you moving from Canada to Australia or vice versa? If so, it`s essential to understand the social security agreement between these two countries. This agreement ensures that you`re not paying social security taxes twice and that you`re eligible for social security benefits in both countries.
Here`s everything you need to know about the social security agreement (SSA) between Canada and Australia.
What is a Social Security Agreement (SSA)?
The SSA is an agreement between two countries that aims to prevent double taxation of social security benefits. It ensures that individuals who have worked in both countries are not paying social security taxes twice and can claim benefits from both countries, depending on their eligibility.
The social security agreement covers various benefits, such as retirement, disability, survivor, and children`s benefits.
Canada-Australia Social Security Agreement
The Canada-Australia Social Security Agreement was signed in 2002 and came into effect on September 1, 2003. It covers all Australian and Canadian social security programs, including:
– Retirement pension, disability benefits, and survivor benefits
– Old Age Security (OAS) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits in Canada and Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payment in Australia
– Child benefits, such as Canada Child Benefit (CCB) in Canada and Family Tax Benefit in Australia
How to Qualify for Social Security Benefits
To qualify for social security benefits, you must meet the eligibility criteria in both countries where you have worked. For example, to claim CPP benefits in Canada, you must have contributed to the CPP for a minimum of ten years.
Similarly, to claim Age Pension in Australia, you must be above the age of 65 and meet the Australian residency requirements. The minimum period is ten years of Australian residence, of which five must be continuous.
How to Apply for Social Security Benefits
If you`re eligible for social security benefits in both Canada and Australia, you must apply in both countries separately. For example, if you`re eligible for CPP and Age Pension, you must apply to Service Canada in Canada and Centrelink in Australia.
To apply for benefits, you must provide all the necessary documents, including proof of age, residency, and contributions to social security programs in both countries.
In Conclusion
The social security agreement between Canada and Australia is essential for anyone who has worked in both countries. It ensures that you`re not paying social security taxes twice and that you`re eligible for social security benefits in both countries.
If you`re planning to move to Canada or Australia or have already worked in both countries, make sure to check your eligibility for social security benefits and apply for them accordingly.