Centrelink a same-sex registry

Centrelink estimates around 11,000 people receiving social security or family assistance benefits will come forward to declare they are in a same-sex relationship.

The same-sex equality reforms will come into effect from 1 July 2009, allowing some couples to access additional benefits, while others will have their payments reduced from the single rate to the couples rate.
Centrelink customers will have six months to understand the changes and inform Centrelink of their circumstances, Human Services Minister Joe Ludwig said.

-œIf you are living in a relationship and receiving a social security or family assistance payment you don’t need to do anything now, he said.

The welfare agency will establish an inquiry line in December so customers can discuss how the changes will affect them, and allow time to adjust their finances. Customers will be able to declare their relationship status from 30 March 2009 by phone or in person at Centrelink Customer Service Centres.

-œAfter July 1, customers who are members of a same-sex couple will have another 14 days to advise Centrelink of this relationship. Customers who do not advise of their relationship within 14 days of 1 July may incur a debt.

But some same-sex couples will be entitled to extra benefits for the first time, including Widow Allowance, bereavement benefits and concession cards.

Centrelink will consider the financial aspects of the relationship, nature of the household, social aspects of the relationship, presence or absence of a sexual relationship, and nature of the commitment when determining if a couple is in a -œmarriage-like relationship.

Ten organisations were consulted about how to implement the changes, including those representing people with disabilities, people with HIV/AIDS, and the gay and lesbian community.

-œWe’ve engaged with the gay and lesbian community through the Community Reference Group and its market research, and we will be listening to what they tell us, Ludwig said.

As a result of that consultation, awareness training will be provided to Centrelink staff undertaking the payment reassessments of anyone coming forward to report their same-sex relationship.