Post by Banjo on May 30, 2018 6:34:59 GMT 7
Question. My wife is on a temporary protection visa and as such can't claim any benefits - also she is not of pension age. I put it to Centrelink that this is unfair to pay me half the married rate so they did an about face and put me on the single pension rate. However now that my wife is getting $900 a fortnight in wages I just wondered how this would be assessed and applied by Centrelink. My question is, would Centrelink use the rules for a married pension or a single pension to assess me. It seems to depend on who you talk to or who you complain to.
A departmental spokesperson says there are exceptions which allow for a member of a couple to receive the single rate of payment. In deciding whether or not to apply this exemption, Centrelink will consider whether there is financial difficulty as a result of a couple’s circumstances. If a person is receiving this exemption and their circumstances change, Centrelink will need to determine if the exemption should continue to apply. If it is determined that exemption should no longer apply, then a person is assessed as a member of a couple, which includes being paid a couple rate of payment, and being subject to the couple income and assets test. Individuals should contact Centrelink if they would like to know more about this exemption.
People receiving social security payments are responsible for accurately updating Centrelink when their circumstances change, including partner income. Failure to notify Centrelink of a change may result in a penalty.
Noel Whittaker is the author of Making Money Made Simple and numerous other books on personal finance. His advice is general in nature and readers should seek their own professional advice before making financial decisions. Email: noel@noelwhittaker.com.au
A departmental spokesperson says there are exceptions which allow for a member of a couple to receive the single rate of payment. In deciding whether or not to apply this exemption, Centrelink will consider whether there is financial difficulty as a result of a couple’s circumstances. If a person is receiving this exemption and their circumstances change, Centrelink will need to determine if the exemption should continue to apply. If it is determined that exemption should no longer apply, then a person is assessed as a member of a couple, which includes being paid a couple rate of payment, and being subject to the couple income and assets test. Individuals should contact Centrelink if they would like to know more about this exemption.
People receiving social security payments are responsible for accurately updating Centrelink when their circumstances change, including partner income. Failure to notify Centrelink of a change may result in a penalty.
Noel Whittaker is the author of Making Money Made Simple and numerous other books on personal finance. His advice is general in nature and readers should seek their own professional advice before making financial decisions. Email: noel@noelwhittaker.com.au