I’m separated under the one roof – what will happen to my Centrelink payments?

Are you in receipt of Centrelink payments? Are you separated under the one roof? If so, you must inform Centrelink about your separation. Being separated but living under the same roof can have significant implications on your Centrelink payments.

Centrelink may change the rate they pay you depending on whether you are single or a member of a couple. As a single person, you may be entitled to more money than you are receiving as a couple.

You will be required to complete a “Separated under one roof” form through the Department of Human Services. However, it is not merely filling out a form. You may need to provide evidence as to your separation. Centrelink also can conduct interviews and review personal documentation. They conduct thorough checks to confirm the separation status. There are many different factors that the department uses to determine whether a couple is, in fact, separated under the same roof. Some examples are as follows:

• Financial arrangements

The department will look at whether you are providing financial support to each other. For example, are you repaying each other’s loans? They will check if you are claiming to be partners for taxation, insurance or for any other reason. They will also look at whether you own any major assets jointly, whether you are nominated as a beneficiary in each other’s Will or insurance policy and also whether you share a bank account.

• Nature of the household

In considering the nature of the household, the department will consider whether you share a bedroom and how household chores shared.

• Sexual relationship

Whether you have a sexual relationship with your partner and if there has been one in the past will be taken into account.

• Nature of commitment

The department will consider what you both think about your relationship and whether you have a strong and mutual commitment. They will further take into account whether you each exert influence over the other’s long-term plans.

• Social aspects of the relationship

In considering the social aspects, the department will look at how you present to the community. They will take into account whether you present as a couple at social or leisure events and activities and whether your family and friends perceive you to be a couple.

The above factors help Centrelink evaluate and assess the true nature of the living arrangements.

If you are separated under one roof, you may have several questions in relation to the topic of Centrelink payments, our team of Family Law solicitors at Solari & Stock can help you understand the process better. You can reach our experienced Family Law Solicitors today on 8525 2700, or click here to request an appointment.

At Solari and Stock our team of Sutherland Shire Family Law Solicitors include Riccarda Stock, Nicole Quirk, Shweta Kumar, Nikita Ward and Kirstin Attard.

Article by Shweta Kumar
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For more information about separating under one roof, please refer to the following article by Shweta on this topic,

Article Can I apply for a divorce if we are living in the same house