Financial assistance for couples in a same sex relationship

If you're receiving or applying for financial assistance, such as Student Allowance or Unemployment Benefit Student Hardship this may affect you.

Contact us for more information

It's important you contact us before 1 April 2007 to discuss how your payment may be affected to allow you to prepare for the change. The amount of financial assistance you receive depends on your personal situation, including whether you're single or have a partner.

Talking to us will ensure that you're paid the right amount and don't miss out on any extra payments, or get into debt. It's always best to ask if you're unsure about what you need to tell us - we can help you avoid problems later.

Contact us. You can make an enquiry anonymously.

What is a relationship for financial assistance purposes?

You're in a same sex relationship for income assistance purposes if you:

• share your life with someone of the same sex in the same way as two people who are in an opposite sex de facto relationship,
• are married or in a Civil Union.

A relationship which affects your payment generally means that you and your partner:

• are committed to each other emotionally, and
• have a financial interdependence with each other.

Would you and your partner be considered a couple?

To give you a better idea of whether we would treat you and your partner as a couple, ask yourself:

• Do you live together at the same address most of the time?
• Do you live separately but stay over at each other's place a few nights a week?
• Do you share responsibility for bringing up children (if any)?
• Do you socialise and holiday together?
• Do you share money, bank accounts or credit cards?
• Do you share household bills?
• Do you have a sexual relationship?
• Do people think you are a couple?
• Do you give each other emotional support and companionship?
• Would your partner financially support you if you couldn't support yourself?

This is a guide only, so if you're unsure about whether you're in a relationship, please contact us or visit your local StudyLink Outreach site for further information.

If your circumstances change

When you receive financial assistance it is very important you tell us about your personal situation and answer questions we may ask you about your personal situation honestly.

You must also tell us straight away if your situation changes in any way which could affect your payments, for instance if you find a job or enter a Civil Union. So if you're in a same sex relationship, contact us to find out how the 1 April 2007 changes could affect you.

If you forget to tell us or tell us late you could be paid the wrong amount of money. You could also be missing out on payments. If we pay you too much you may end up with debt that you could have to pay back. You could also be prosecuted.

Don't take the risk. Call us if there's anything you are uncertain about - we are always happy to answer your questions.

It's always best to ask if you're unsure about what you need to tell us - we can help you avoid problems later. Contact us. You can do this anonymously.