Before we discuss the contents of a relationship details form, let us first learn what it’s for. The Australian government provides for parenting payments that will greatly benefit families all over the country.
This program provides financial support to families with young children by helping cover the costs associated with raising them. This includes basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter, but can also extend to childcare, healthcare, and other essential expenses.
You can download the relationship details form here. You must include whether you and your partner are in a registered relationship or a in a de facto relationship status.
What’s a Relationship Details Form?
A de facto relationship details form is used by Centrelink to assess your living arrangements and determine whether you should be assessed as a single person or as part of a couple for Centrelink payments. You and the person you share accommodation with (if applicable) will each need to complete a separate form.
The Relationship details form (SS284) in Australia serves two main purposes, both related to determining your eligibility for Centrelink payments:
1. Assess living arrangements. This is the primary purpose of the form. Centrelink uses the information you provide to understand your living situation and determine whether you should be assessed as a single person or as part of a couple. This directly impacts the type and amount of payment you may be eligible for.
2. Determine income support payment. Based on your living arrangements and other details in the form, Centrelink calculates your combined household income (if applicable) and uses this information to determine your eligibility and level of entitlement for various income support payments. This includes payments like Family Tax Benefit, Parenting Payment, and Youth Allowance.
Here are some key points to remember about the SS284:
- You and the person you share accommodation with (if applicable) each need to complete a separate form.
- You may need to fill out the form even if you don’t share your accommodation with someone, depending on your circumstances.
- Completing the form accurately is crucial to ensure you receive the correct amount of financial support.
- If your relationship status or living arrangements change, you must inform Centrelink promptly by updating your details through a Centrelink online account.
Services Australia will assess your relationship based on the following factors:
- Financial arrangements
- Nature of the household
- Social aspects of the relationship
- Sexual relationship
- Nature of commitment
- Any changes to your family income estimate
It is important to provide as much detail when filling up this form.
Contents of a Relationship Details Form
Here’s what you need to provide in the relationship details form:
- Your details and relationship with another person – This includes your name, address, and the other person’s name and address. This part will also ask for some details such as if you are living together in the same household or not.
- Living arrangements – Some questions in this section concern your financial arrangements. Sample questions are the following:
- Do you or the other person own the home you currently live in (including paying it off)?
- Do you pay rent or board and/or lodgings at the place where you currently live?
- Do you share any other real estate assets jointly with the other person, such as investment properties, business properties, caravan sites or moorings?
- Do you and the other person have any joint accounts (including bank, credit and store cards)?
- Do you and the other person have any outstanding joint debts on credit cards, hire purchases, store accounts, or personal loans?
- Nature of the household – Questions regarding household tasks and general maintenance will also be asked in the form.
- Social aspects – This one involves questions that concern the social activities of you and your partner. The form will ask how often you do these activities and if you do these jointly.
- Sexual relationship – The form will ask if you currently have a sexual relationship with the other person. Services Australia requires an answer to this because this is one of the considerations for assessing your relationship.
- Other things you want to mention – This part allows you to include matters that you think are relevant to the assessment.
- Suitable referee – A suitable referee is someone who knows about your current relationship status. This person must be:
- 18 years of age or older
- Not be your parent, step-parent, sibling, or child
- Not be your correspondence nominee.
- Not be your most recent ex-partner.
Submitting the Relationship Details Form
The process for submitting the Relationship details form (SS284) in Australia depends on whether you’re submitting it online or by mail. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Online submission
- Download the form. Access the form online at https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/ss284. You can download it as a PDF document.
- Fill out the form. Use Adobe Acrobat Reader or a similar program to edit the form digitally. Enter all necessary contact details and address details accurately and honestly.
- Save the form. Save your completed form on your computer.
- Submit the form. Visit the MyGov website (https://my.gov.au/) and log in with your MyGov details. Go to the Centrelink section and upload your saved form. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the submission.
2. Submission by mail
- Print the form. Download the form from the Services Australia website and print it on paper.
- Fill out the form. Handwrite your answers clearly and legibly in black ink. Ensure all relevant sections are completed thoroughly.
- Sign and date the form. Sign the form where indicated and date it. Make sure you sign it with a legally binding signature.
- Mail the form. Mail the completed form to the address provided on the form. Make sure you use registered mail to track delivery and obtain proof of submission.
3. Additional points
- If you are submitting the form on behalf of someone else, you will need their written authorisation to do so.
- Keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
- Remember to inform Centrelink of any changes to your living arrangements or relationship status promptly.
Parenting Payments in Australia
Parenting payments in Australia play a significant role in supporting families and children, with various benefits contributing to their overall well-being. These payments provide crucial financial support, especially for low- and middle-income families with young children. This helps combat poverty by ensuring their basic needs are met and improves overall living standards.
Moreover, the payments contribute towards vital expenses like food, clothing, and shelter, alleviating financial stress and promoting child well-being. Finally, it supports diverse family structures. The program caters to single parents, couples, and same-sex couples, offering flexibility and inclusivity in financial support.
Call a Family Attorney Today
Parenting payment claims can become complicated. While financial support is important, the process can be confusing, filled with legalities, and potentially involve disagreements with the other parent. Don’t leave your claim to chance or risk missing out on essential support for your child.
Our family lawyers at JB Solicitors can handle the legalities, legal forms and supporting documents, and communication with Centrelink, allowing you to focus on your child and well-being.
Contact us today.
