Do I need to tell Centrelink ?

Question

I am seeing a man who is quite wealthy. We are not living together yet but he often buys me things and gives me money. I am still living with my parents and Centrelink knows this. If I have a boyfriend and we are not living together. Do Centrelink need to know?

Answer 1

Centrelink need to know when you become a couple. They also need to know if you start earning a living - like if your new man was to be a business man and he gave you a paying job in his business then you would have to tell them - even if it was only for a few hours per week.

Centrelink also need to know if your place and type of living arrangement changes - if you move into a flat by yourself or with your man.

You may be able to get more information from the Centrelink web site at http://www.centrelink.gov.au/

When you say your new man is quite wealthy - you have to ask yourself does he own a number of businesses? Is he a tradesman who owns his own home? What do you mean by quite wealthy? If he doesn't own his own home and he hasn't got a business but appears to have ready cash then you have to ask where the cash is coming from and is he wealthy or is he showing off?

Some people would class a tradie with his own home and a utility and private car and a middle class bloke who's worked hard and done well but not wealthy. Others would say he was wealthy. The wealthy today usually have a few million dollars up their sleve in a combination of shares, real estate and other business interests. On the other hand if he has a profession - is just starting out and is doing well he may also be quite well off.

My guess is that your bloke has worked hard and done well, whatever the case may be. I would respect that and tell Centrelink when and if you do move in together. It is best to be honest with them. You will have to tell him too. At that point he may be expected to keep you or you will have to get a job. That may put a strain on your relationship with him. On the other hand you may choose not to move in with him or you may choose to go to TAFE and do some business training so that you can help him in the business long - term if he has a business and if you want it to be a long - term relationship. Think smart!!!

Good Luck!!!