Same sex partner income and assets

[meoverseas]

I have been overseas since early 2004. With my same sex partner. When I left I mentioned this partnership. I was told that it was not recognized by centrelink so it did not effect my DSP. I just received in 2012 a 14 page assets and income form. Lots of questions about my partner's income and assets. Seems that in 2009 the rules changed. I was not notified. So have until now not declared his income. How much of his income is perceived by centrelink to be mine? This is weird. First I am told "Thanks for telling us about your relationship but it's irrelevant, then asked to provide his income and assets after a rule change that I was not made a aware of. Anyone able to advise? This is rather urgent as I have to get the firm back. Completed with our tax returns attached and bank statements.
And thank you to you all for sharing your experiences. Just reading all this stuff here makes me feel much less isolated. Thank you!

[Banjo]

As I replied to your earlier post, you need to ask someone with more knowledge in the field.
I think Centrelink now treats same sex relationships as they do heterosexual for payment purposes and they will more than likely back date it to the time the rules changed.
I recommend you ring Welfare Rights in your home state for advice.

www.welfarerights.org.au/pages/centre.aspx

[meoverseas]

Thanks Banjo for your help. Very much appreciated.