Centrelink payments and still living with DH

[Enchanted]

I caught up with my gf today and her and her DH have split. They have 3 kids and a mortgage but neither of them can really afford to move out right now. I mentioned that I thought she may be eligible for parenting payments as she is "technically" single. They are in separate rooms and do want to go their own ways but right now is just not possible.

Does anyone know if she can claim PP even though they are still living together? The poor thing is a bit lost and is a bit scared and feeling quite daunted by the whole situation!

[entreat]

Tough one! Personally, I think she should go in and ask. The centrelink webpage is very vague on it.

[CrazyLady]

It is daunting dealing with them but I agree the page is vague. I think she should ask them. Also someone on here does know centrelink stuff really well so maybe they might pop in.

[Visitor7]

There is a 'separated under same roof' category that she could apply for. It's quite involved, 3rd party witnesses will need to be interviewed etc to actually determine that they are indeed separated. But yes, it certainly does happen.

[Tinks]

There is a 'separated under same roof' category that she could apply for. It's quite involved, 3rd party witnesses will need to be interviewed etc to actually determine that they are indeed separated. But yes, it certainly does happen.

:yeahthat:

From what I hear it's one of those payments that isn't very well known and is very hard to get.

[Visitor7]

yeah it is hard to get, and it takes a long time for the application to be processed. I have seen instances where an investigation can take a couple of months as there are doubts over the relationship.

[Enchanted]

Thanks for the replies girls. I was chatting with her this morning and she was hoping to be eligible for the payments so she could save to move out asap. Her DH well I guess almost XDH wants to do a few more things around the house before they sell it. I told her what you guys said and she is thinking maybe she might just move in for her Mum and then save. Her Mums place is tiny but she'd rather that than a full on investigation, as things are hard enough for her right now. She is going to give them a call today I think, so fingers crossed!

Thanks again.