Ms Kristiina Selgis
Head of Pension Policy and Cross Border
Social Security Department
Ministry of Social Affairs
Government of the Republic of Estonia
[email protected]
Dear Ms Selgis
On behalf of the Competent Authority for the Agreement between Australia and the Republic of
Estonia on Social Security (the Agreement), we are writing to inform you of changes to Australian
Proof of Life arrangements, which may affect some Australian pension recipients living in your
country. Please note, these changes are reflected in Australia’s domestic legislation and do not
change the scope of the Agreement or require an amendment to the Agreement.
Since 20 December 2019, recipients of the Australian Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and
Carer Payment, who are aged 80 years and over and have been residing overseas for at least two
years, are required to complete a Proof of Life certificate every two years to continue to receive
their pension. This Proof of Life certificate must by certified by an authorised certifier. A range of
different classes of persons are authorised under Australian law to certify a proof of life certificate,
including doctors, lawyers, police officers, notaries public and Australian consular officials.
These arrangements have now been updated to also allow officials of an overseas pension agency
(including the Competent Institutions and Liaison Agencies under the Agreement), or a local or
regional government authority, to certify a Proof of Life certificate. This will provide greater choice
for Australian pensioners living overseas and make it easier for them to comply with their Proof of
Life obligations.
Additional information about the Australian Proof of Life arrangements can be found on the
Services Australia website at www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/proof-life-compliance-reviews-if-
youre-older-80-and-live-overseas. If you would like further clarification on the changes noted in
this letter, please contact us at
[email protected].
We look forward to continuing to work with you to assist pensioners from both of our countries.
Yours sincerely
Residency and International Payments
International Payments and Compliance Branch
Australian Government Department of Social Services
31 May 2024
GPO Box 9820 Canberra ACT 2601
Telephone 1300 653 227 National Relay Service: TTY: 133 677, Speak and listen: 1300 555 727
Internet relay: www.relayservice.com.au
www.dss.gov.au
Saatja: "internationalpolicy" <
[email protected]>
Saaja: "info.sm"
Teema: Changes to Australian Proof of Life arrangements [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Kuupäev: 2024-05-31 02:08
To whom it may concern
Please find attached a letter from the Australian Government Department of
Social Services to Ms Kristiina Selgis regarding changes to Australian
Proof of Life arrangements, which may affect some Australian pension
recipients living in your country.
Please note, these changes are reflected in Australia’s domestic
legislation and do not change the scope of the Agreement between Australia
and the Republic of Estonia on Social Security (the Agreement) or require
an amendment to the Agreement.
Thank you for your assistance.
Kind regards,
_____
Residency and International Payments Section
International Payments and Compliance Branch
Department of Social Services
The Department of Social Services acknowledges the traditional owners of
country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land,
water and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and
to Elders both past and present.
_____