Centrelink recognises same-sex relationships from 1 July 2009

The Australian Government has introduced wide-ranging reforms that recognise all couples, regardless of the sexual orientation or gender of a partner. The reforms also recognise children living in same-sex families.

From 1 July 2009 changes to legislation mean that customers who are in a same-sex de facto relationship are recognised as partnered for Centrelink and Family Assistance Office purposes. All customers who are assessed as being a member of a couple now have their rate of payment calculated in the same way.

To find out how these changes affect you or to update your relationship status with Centrelink call the relevant payment number.

• Information for customers - provides information in a Question-and-Answer format on how the same-sex law reforms may affect Centrelink payments you currently receive
• Information for community organisations - provides information that can help you in assisting customers who may be affected by the reforms
• Couples are Couples campaign and media information - a video, audio, press advertisement and media backgrounder about the reforms and Centrelink
• Factsheets and publications - provides a list of publications about the reforms and other relevant information
• Other Government changes - provides information about other Government services that may be affected by the reforms
• Case studies - provides a list of case studies as examples to help you understand the effects of the same-sex law reforms.
• Related information - provides information about Privacy, Review and Appeals, contact details and a list of useful website links.