Introduction

Knowing a client's relationship status is important to ensure they are receiving the correct benefit at the correct rate.

Clients are considered to be part of a couple when they are in a relationship with another adult, regardless of the sex or gender of either partner. This includes a couple who are married or in a civil union and they are not 'living apart', or a couple who are living in a de facto relationship.

The client's marital status helps you decide whether or not they are in a relationship where there is uncertainty.

There are 3 types of relationship that are defined as:

• Marriage - is a legally recognised union between 2 people, for the purpose of: the formation of a family unit; social stability; education and development of offspring; economic stability; security; companionship or various combinations of these purposes.
• Civil Union - is a legally recognised union equivalent to marriage that provides couples with rights, benefits and responsibilities equal to those enjoyed by married couples.
• De facto relationship - a de facto relationship exists where 2 people live together as if they were married but they have not been legally married or entered a civil union.

Note if 1 of the people is under 18 years, special requirements must be met before a de facto relationship exists. See: Partners under 18 years