Effect of Relationship Status on Rate Payable

If the relationship status is...

Then pension or payment is assessed at the...

not a member of a couple:

• never married
• separated
• divorced
• widowed
• not in a de facto relationship

single rate or not a member of a couple rate

member of a couple:

• married
• in a de facto relationship

partnered rate or member of a couple rate

member of a couple regarded as being not a member of a couple under Section 5R(3) VEA, for example:

• partner not a resident
• person overseas and no means of support

single rate or not a member of a couple rate for the qualified partner and the ineligible partner is not qualified to receive any payment

illness separated couple where one member or both are:

• in an approved hostel and they are unable to cook their own meals and meals are provided
• in an approved nursing home
• in hospital > 35 days and assessed by ACAT as being a nursing home type patient
• resident in a mental health facility
• in a retirement village and medical evidence supports that they are unable to live together for medical reasons, cost of living is higher as a result
• other situation and medical evidence supports that they are unable to live together for medical reasons, cost of living is higher as a result

Illness separated rate, that is, payment at single rate or not a member of a couple rate each, but using the partnered assets test and income test Rent assistance may be paid if eligible; an aged care resident is not eligible for rent assistance.

respite care couple where one member or both receiving

• at least 14 consecutive days approved respite care
• private respite care

Respite care rate, that is, payment at single rate or not a member of a couple rate each but using the partnered assets test and income test and rent assistance is payable

partnered rate or member of a couple rate and rent assistance is payable