Single rate for couples

In some circumstances a person who qualifies for Veteran's Pension in their own right and who is living apart from their partner, can get the single sharing accommodation or the single living alone rate instead of the married, civil union or de facto rate.

In some circumstances a grandparented non-qualified partner who is physically separated from their partner can get the single sharing accommodation or single living alone rate of Veteran's Pension.

A client who has a partner can get the single sharing accommodation rate of Veteran's Pension if:

• they have separated from their partner because the relationship has ended or
• the partner of a person in long term residential care (including a rest home) or
• their partner is in long term public hospital care or
• they are legally married or civil union clients living apart with the intention of ending their marriage or civil union

Note the single sharing accommodation can be paid from the date the Veteran's Pension commences if the client meets the above criteria at their entitlement date.

For a legally married or civil union couple to be separated there must be a physical separation, and an acceptance by one or both of the partners that the relationship has ended.

For a de facto couple to be separated their relationship must no longer be in the nature of marriage or civil union. A relationship in the nature of marriage or civil union means both financial interdependence and emotional commitment are evident.

A client living in the community who has a partner can get the single living alone rate of Veteran's Pension if:

• they have separated from their partner because their relationship has ended or
• their partner is in prison, where the Ministry of Social Development have decided to regard the client as a single person or
• their partner is in long term residential care including a rest home or
• their partner is in long term public hospital care and
• they are not sharing their accommodation with any person aged 18 years or over, other than a dependent child or a visitor who stays less than 13 weeks in any 26 week period
• they meet the other qualifications for the single living alone rate