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An agreement of international cooperation between the social security organizations of Greece (IKA) and Australia came into effect on October 1, 2008.
Whether you are an Australian living in Greece or a Greek living in Australia, this means:
- Legal assurance that your pension rights are protected
- Years of contributions from both countries may be combined to meet eligibility requirements
- Reduced taxation on contributions
- Right to claim retirement benefits in one or both countries (dependent on eligibility)
The introductory flyer called, “Social Security Agreement between Australia and Greece,” which provided an explanation, answers to basic questions and contact information, is no longer available. However, their staff is fluent in several languages and can receive inquiries by email or phone at no charge.
Questions and inquiries
Centrelink in Australia
website: www.centrelink.gov.au
Tel: Centrelink has set up “Toll-free calling from Greece to Australia”
IKA in Greece
website: www.ika.gr (Greek only)
Tel: List of IKA offices (in English)
* Please be aware that the Australian Embassy in Athens does not handle social security inquiries per this message, and I cannot answer questions because I am not eligible for a pension as a Greek or Australian citizen. However, readers with first-hand experience are encouraged to share their comments and stories.
Related links
Social security agreement between the USA and Greece – Social Security Administration (SSA)
Social security agreement between Canada and Greece – Human Resources and Social Development of Canada (HRSDC)
Related posts
– “Collecting U.S. retirement benefits while abroad”
– “How to get a visa and residence permit to retire or otherwise live in Greece on independent means”
– “IKA covers prescription medicine”
* Article updated July 22, 2009
And thanks for hanging in there with me. I know I don’t post as often as I used to, but time is in short supply with changes going on behind the scenes — work, personal and otherwise.
Kat Reply:
December 10th, 2010 at 02:01
You did not provide information for me to help you. However, I can give you a general answer and hope that sets you in the right direction.
Where do you file for your pension? Depends. Who are you collecting from?
— If your contributions were made to IKA, you go to an IKA office. See, “IKA offices in Greece” to find one nearest you.
— If you made contributions to OAEE/TEVE, you go to an OAEE/TEVE office. See “OAEE office nearest you” (in Greek only).
— It’s also possible to visit a KEP Citizen Service Centre to file an application to receive pensions from any social insurance fund (See “Tax offices in Greece” and click the link for KEP in English or Greek), but they may not have knowledge of how to integrate any years of contributions made in Australia.
If the majority of your years of contributions were made in Australia, you should file in Australia using the info in the article and mention the years and contributions in Greece to help you qualify and calculate the amount you’re entitled to receive.