Would centrelink let us do this?

[C~Q]

This morning DH called me and told me that the recruitment firm he works for could be going under It's possible that he might lose his job in March. If that happens then we're both screwed I know i'd get the max from CL if I wasn't getting any child support but hell, i'll be losing $2700 a month.

I said if the worst comes to the worst then he can move back in here and we could halve the rent, bills and everything. I think it would be a great way for both of us to be able to save a bit (or at least struggle through).

We wouldn't be "together" neither of us wants that anymore, we would be in seperate rooms and eveerything, living like flat mates.

So would we be allowed to do that or would CL class us as being back together?

Any advice would be great, TIA

[Muppity]

Yep - centrelink are fine with it so long as it is actually the case (not that I doubt you - they just need some sort of evidence) like letters from people who know you, neighbours, things like that.

I have a friend who has been co-habitating (I think that is how they refer to it) with her babies father for about 3 years and it works for them.

[Jennifer13]

Yes, as long as you are genuinely not 'together' then there is nothing to stop two parents sharing a house and still claiming sole parents.

I know a couple who did this even though they were together for years. Very naughty and not friends of mine!

[~clover~]

A friend of mine did it years ago. They had to get verification from 2 people who knew them & were ok for about 6 months.
After that though they decided coz he was the kids father that either they'd have to go back together again, or he'd have to move out.

[C~Q]

Oh great thats a relief! To be honest other than the money side of things there aren't any pros to the situation but sharing the rent and all bills would be great. We both get on and neither of us (as far as I know) have found anyone else yet.

I'm sure he would do my head in and i'd still have to get an aupair but at least the kids would see him a lot more. Although then it would be hard on them agian when he left

[Lulu]

Hey sorry but don't bet on it. I would never, ever grant a claim like that. There are several key issues they look at. One of the big things is that many people just stay that way, or the financial relief mends the fences. Financial issues are a key reason, providing support in different ways etc.

Just don't take it as a given, some people have it granted but only for a short period. Waaaaay too many people try to rort this one so the reins are pretty tight. Not to mention there have been many, many changes in the last few years.

You better go in or call first ok hun?