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?

[briggsy's girl]

seperated under one roof is damn hard to prove sorry ladies - esp in this situation - he's moved out, and then moved back in - it's something that I, as a consultant like Lulu, would struggle to grant. it's a very hard situation and one i wouldn't wish on anyone - but i'd be reluctant to say you'd be given the benefit of the doubt and have it granted... if it were, it would be VERY short term and would be reviewed harshly due to him moving out and then back in - i would think you'd be expected to declare yourselves partnered, then hope like hell he gets a job in a hurry and moves out soon....

technically, you've shown that you can survive without him, so there is no financial need for you to share...

[~clover~]

It was 6 years ago when my friends did it. & as I said, it only lasted 6 months before centrelink decided that was it.
I do hope that everything works out though. Either way.

[C~Q]

technically, you've shown that you can survive without him, so there is no financial need for you to share...

The thing is though if he loses his job then I won't be getting any child support so financially we'd be stuffed. As would he because he wouldn't be able to pay his rent till he got another job.

So it's possible to do but very hard is that right? Would we have to convince someone? What exactly is the process?

[~clover~]

I reckon give them a ring CQ. Tell them your situation & see what they say.

[Lulu]

Why can't he move in with a friend?

Another issue is that you are both benefiting financially from this arrangement. It's just the way it is.

[squidipa]

yep u can but u must provide proof that ur separated they will ring some one ya know to get them to vouch for u. I did this before altho we were together but paying our own ways then boyfriend slept on my lounge room floor till marriage. I told centerlink of this from day 1 and we had no issues. and yes no sex before marriage if u were wondering. we were living togethor but paying our own ways.

[C~Q]

To be honest i'm more worried about me. With me losing his child support money there is no way on earth we can stay in this house Which means we have to move to a 3 bed house which means no aupair which in turn means I won't be able to work as a PT

If he moves in here HE can be the aupair till he finds another job IYKWIM?

[*Efjay*]

$2700 a month is a lot to loose from your budget. I can see why CQ is looking at the idea of them sharing.
Yeah XDH could move in with a mate to ease his living costs. But that still leaves CQ $2700 a month short.

[Lulu]

then its classed as a marriage-like relationship babe.

Try not to worry too far ahead. If the bloke can earn big bucks like that I'm sure he can pick up something else yeh?

[Lulu]

I know FJ, but its about who benefits and the definition of a marriage-like realtionship and financial arrangements are a huge part of this.

I asked that question about the sharing because thats what they will ask when she calls Clink.

[Lulu]

I know FJ, but its about who benefits and the definition of a marriage-like realtionship and financial arrangements are a huge part of this.

I asked that question about the sharing because thats what they will ask when she calls Clink.

[briggsy's girl]

the process is a hell of a lot more complex as it stands at the moment - simply because he has moved out. you are single and living as a single woman - letting the ex that you have not been living with move back in won't be looked at as being for financial reasons - it will be seen as a reconcilliation of sorts. the fact that you're asking if you'd be allowed to do it shows that you're already doubtful yourself - and with good reason

whether he is paying child support or not, you have an annual entitlement (which will be adjusted), FTB will be adjusted accordingly - you will NOT get maximum rate (so please don't base anything on that assumption) - your child support will be annualised and it's impact on ftb will be worked out for the balance of the year

from the governments perspective (and i'm saying it as an employee, NOT my own opinion, so don't get shirty as me) - child support isn't for paying every day expenses, that is what your income support and ftb are for, if you are entitled to more FTB and less child support you'd be expected to make it work. your ex would have other alternatives (he'll get new start and rent assistance unless he receives a pay out which he'd be expected to live on (annual leave, redundancy etc).

i'm not saying NOT to try it, just giving you the info as it is - it is HIGHLY unlikely it would be approved. MOST seperated under one roof apps are rejected based on many different reasons..