Clients who are married or in a civil union

Clients who are married or in a civil union and are living together are considered a couple unless it is clear the relationship has ended.

A client who is married or in a civil union may be assessed as single or a sole parent if they can show they are living apart from their partner.

Note the term 'living apart' does not refer solely to living in separate homes.

When a client considers their marriage or civil union has ended but is unable to leave the relationship because of family violence, discuss the client's circumstances with your regional solicitor or local fraud investigator.