The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

1.1.P.85 Partner, partnered, partnered (partner in gaol)

Usage

These definitions apply to all payments.

Definition: partner

A partner in relation to a person who is a member of a couple (1.1.M.120), is the other member of the couple, whether legally married, in a registered relationship or in a de facto relationship.

This excludes former partners, whether legally married or otherwise, from whom they have separated.

Act reference: SSAct section 4(1)-'partner'

Definition: partnered

A person is partnered if they are a member of a couple.

Act reference: SSAct section 4(11)(a) a person is partnered if …

Definition: partnered (partner in gaol)

A person is partnered (partner in gaol) if the person is a member of a couple and the person's partner is:

in gaol, or
undergoing psychiatric confinement because the partner has been charged with committing an offence.

Act reference: SSAct section 4(11)(f) a person is partnered (partner in gaol) if …

Last reviewed: 3 July 2023

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