New or formative relationships

As soon as a client gets married; or enters into a civil union or de facto relationship they no longer have entitlement to a single or sole parent rate of benefit.

For de facto relationships it can be difficult to determine when a relationship has developed to the stage where it could be considered to be in the nature of marriage or civil union.

When a client enters a new or formative de facto relationship the case manager should help the client identify whether they are moving towards a more permanent relationship.

If you are unable to make a decision regarding the client's relationship you can discuss the case with your Regional Solicitor or local National Fraud Investigation Unit Investigator.