Relationships and payments

The type of payment you get from us and how much you get depends on a few things, including if you're in a relationship. Here are some things you need to know about relationships, including how we determine if you're in one.

Information

You need to tell us straight away if you start or end a relationship, or if you're in a relationship you haven't told us about before.

We need to know this so we can make sure you’re paid the right amount and don’t miss out on any extra payments or get into debt.

What we mean by being in a relationship

When we look at what benefits you can get, we consider you to be in a relationship if you are:

  • married
  • in a civil union, or
  • in a de facto relationship.

This means you and your partner have a degree of companionship that includes being:

  • emotionally committed to each other for the foreseeable future, and
  • financially interdependent.

To give you a better idea of what we mean by this, think about whether your relationship includes some of these things:

  • you live together at the same address most of the time
  • you share responsibilities, eg bringing up children (if any)
  • you socialise and holiday together
  • you share money, bank accounts or credit cards
  • you share household bills
  • you have a sexual relationship
  • people think of you as a couple
  • you give each other emotional support and companionship
  • your partner would be willing to financially support you if needed.

If you or your partner are 16 or 17, a Family Court Judge must consent to your relationship.

If you're unsure about whether we would consider you to be in a relationship, contact us.

Back to Relationship changes

If you're in a violent relationship, or thinking of leaving one, we may be able to give you extra financial help. We may also be able to offer advice on where you can go for other support. Please talk with us about it.

The Police can also help you get protection, shelter and support.

When you get payments from us, you need to tell us everything about your personal situation that might affect your entitlement. For example, if you're working or in a relationship. It's also important you honestly answer any questions we may ask about your personal situation.

If your situation changes in any way that may affect your entitlement, you must tell us straight away. Call us if there's anything you're uncertain about, we're happy to answer your questions.

If we find out later that any information you give us is not true, or that you knew information you should have told us and did not tell us, we may stop your payments. You might need to pay money back, we may impose a penalty, and you could be prosecuted.