Relationship Details Form: What Should You Put In This Form?

A relationship details form (SS284 form) is helpful for couples who want to get Centrelink payments. This form will assess a couple’s living arrangement and relationship status, but why? In the event of a separation, couples may have disputes on financial duties, especially if there are children in the relationship.

Centrelink is an Australian government agency that provides income support payment and other payments to Australians. One of the ways that Centrelink can provide help for couples is the relationship details form. Both partners in a relationship must complete the SS284 form to assess their entitlement correctly when living together.

Before we discuss the contents of a relationship details form, let us first learn what it’s for.

What’s a Relationship Details Form?

The Australian government provides parenting payments that will greatly benefit families all over the country. One can access such benefits if they complete the SS284 form.

This form provides financial support to families with young children by helping cover the costs associated with raising them. This includes necessities like food, clothing, and shelter, but can also extend to child care, healthcare, and other essential expenses.

A SS284 form assesses your living arrangements and determines 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 payments

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.

It is important to provide as much detail when filling up this form. You can download the relationship details form here.

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.

Key Points To Remember About the Relationship Details Form

Here are some key points to remember about the SS284:

• 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. The SS284 form must be submitted along with supporting documents to ensure compliance with Centrelink requirements.
• If your relationship status or living arrangements change, you must inform Centrelink promptly by updating your details through a Centrelink online account.
• You must include whether you and your partner are in a registered relationship or a de facto relationship.
• Incorrect submission of the SS284 form can lead to incorrect payment assessments. This may result in overpayments or underpayments.

Services Australia will assess your relationship based on the following factors:

1. Financial arrangements
2. Nature of the household
3. Social aspects of the relationship
4. Sexual relationship
5. Nature of commitment
6. Any changes to your family income estimate

Contents of a Relationship Details Form

Here’s what you need to provide in the relationship details form:

1. 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 whether you are living together in the same household or not.

2. Living arrangements – Some questions in this section will cover your financial arrangements. Here are some sample questions in the form:

• 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?

3. Nature of the household – Questions regarding household tasks and general maintenance will also be asked in the form.

4. 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 them jointly.

5. 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. A sexual relationship is a defining factor of a couple that cohabits together.

6. Other things you want to mention – This part allows you to include matters that you think are relevant to the assessment.

7. Suitable referee – A suitable referee is someone who knows about your current relationship status.  This person must be:

1. 18 years of age or older
2. Not be your parent, step-parent, sibling, or child
3. Not be your correspondence nominee
4. Not be your most recent ex-partner.

How Do I Submit 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:

Online submission

1. Download the form. Access the form online at https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/ss284. You can download it as a PDF document.
2. 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.
3. Save the form. Save your completed form on your computer.
4. 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.

Submission by mail

1. Print the relationship details form. Download the form from the Services Australia website and print it on paper.
2. Fill out the form. Handwrite your answers clearly and legibly in black ink. Ensure all relevant sections are completed thoroughly.
3. Sign and date the form. Sign the form where indicated and date it. Make sure you sign it with a legally binding signature.
4. Mail the form. Mail the completed form to the address provided on the form. Make sure you use a registered mailing address to track delivery and obtain proof of submission.

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.

Do You Need Help With Your Parenting Payments?

Parenting payment claims can become complicated. Yes, we want the best for our child. Ideally, we can achieve this if both parents financially support their child. While financial support is important, the process can be confusing. There are legalities and potential 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 if you need help with your relationship details form.