Client in new relationship

When a client enters into a marriage, civil union or de facto relationship, you will have to determine if the client and their spouse or partner qualify for Temporary Additional Support or Special Benefit.

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

If a person in a marriage, civil union or de facto relationship was receiving Temporary Additional Support and their spouse or partner was not receiving Special Benefit or Temporary Additional Support immediately before they entered into the marriage, civil union or de facto relationship, they should both be assessed for Temporary Additional Support.

If a person in a marriage, civil union or de facto relationship was receiving Temporary Additional Support and their partner was receiving Temporary Additional Support immediately before they entered into the marriage, civil union or de facto relationship, they should both be assessed for Temporary Additional Support.

If either person in a marriage, civil union or de facto relationship was receiving a Special Benefit, immediately before they entered into the marriage, civil union or de facto relationship they can:

• continue to receive Special Benefit if they continue to qualify or
• choose to receive Temporary Additional Support if the couple qualify

If the client chooses to continue to receive Special Benefit, you will have to re-assess the rate of Special Benefit based on the couple’s circumstances.

Note one partner in a current marriage, civil union or de facto relationship cannot choose to receive Temporary Additional Support if the other partner continues to receive Special Benefit.

The following table summarises which type of payment you should consider when a client enters into a marriage, civil union or de facto relationship.

John is a non-beneficiary client who is currently receiving Temporary Additional Support. John enters into a marriage with Susan who receives a main benefit and a Special Benefit.

As Susan can continue to receive a Special Benefit, the couple is assessed to see if they qualify for both Special Benefit and Temporary Additional Support. As the couple is eligible for both, but will receive more on Special Benefit, they choose to have Special Benefit continue at the newly assessed rate.