Student with a partner

A recognised relationship is when the student and their partner are both 24 and over, or 1 or both of them are under 24 and there is a supported child, regardless of the sex or gender of either partner.

From 1 January 2009 the age test for a recognised relationship changed from 25 years to 24 years.

The following relationship types are recognised relationships for Student Allowances purposes:

• marriage - 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 - a legally recognised union equivalent to marriage that provides couples with rights, benefits and responsibilities equal to those enjoyed by married couples
• de facto relationships - a de facto relationship exists when 2 people live together as if they were married but they have not been legally married or entered into a civil union

Some couples, who are in a recognised relationship, live in separate homes.

This may be for a number of reasons, including (but not limited to):

• their financial circumstances
• their health
• their work and or business responsibilities
• one of them lives overseas
• the student's partner is in prison

They will no longer be in a recognised relationship if their relationship has genuinely ended.

A students partner does not have to meet the residency requirements for them to be considered a couple in a recognised relationship.

The partner is required to advise of any income they get that will affect their entitlement to a Student Allowance.

There is no provision to pay a 'half-couple' rate of Student Allowance. Therefore, a student in a recognised relationship is not eligible for a Student Allowance if their partner is getting a main benefit, New Zealand Superannuation or Veterans Pension.