logo-Centrelink

How do I stay qualified for Partner Allowance?

Please note: You can not claim Partner Allowance from 20 September 2003, but you can continue to get this payment if you were already getting it on 19 September 2003.

You stay qualified for Partner Allowance if you:

  • were born on or before 1 July 1955
  • are the partner of a person aged at least 21 who is getting Newstart Allowance, Special Benefit, Rehabilitation Allowance, Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, a Veterans' Affairs Service Pension, ABSTUDY or an Austudy
  • do not qualify for Parenting Payment, (that is, you have no dependent children you can claim Parenting Payment for)
  • are not engaged in industrial action
  • are not serving a Newstart Allowance, Youth Allowance or Austudy waiting period
  • are not serving a penalty non-payment period
  • have no recent workforce experience (employment of at least 20 hours per week for a total of 13 weeks or more in the previous 12 months)
  • meet residence requirements.

Partner Allowance is not activity tested. You are not required to look for work or undertake training. You do, however, have access to labour market assistance to find work if you choose to register with the Job Network.

For more information, go to Factors Affecting Payments and Eligibility.

Did you find what you were looking for? You can also try the A-Z list, quick links, search, site help or send us feedback on how to make this a better website.

Return to Top