Social security and women’s economic security: understanding women’s experiences and impacts of the ‘couple rule’

Australia’s social security system has different arrangements for single adults and couples. If there is uncertainty about a person’s relationship status, Services Australia can apply ‘the couple rule’ (section 4(3) of the Social Security Act 1991) to resolve the issue.

The aim of this study is to better understand how the social security system in Australia supports or undermines women’s economic security and ability to achieve financial independence with a focus on the ‘couple rule’. 

The study will involve interviews with women who have applied for/received Centrelink payments and in particular Jobseeker; Parenting Payment Single; and Disability Support Pension. 

The research will examine:

• Women’s financial circumstances at the time of applying for the Centrelink payments
• Women’s experiences of the application process, including assessment of their relationship status to determine eligibility for payment or payment rate
• And the impacts of the decisions by Centrelink about their application considering their relationship circumstances.

This study is part of the broader BSL’s Sustaining Economic Empowerment and Dignity for women (SEED) project. We will use these insights to inform our program development, policy, and advocacy work to improve women’s economic security and financial wellbeing now and in the future.

This research is being conducted by the Work and Economic Security team in Brotherhood of St Laurence’s Social Policy and Research Centre. The study has been approved by the BSL's National Health and Medical Research Council accredited ethics committee.

Recruitment for this study is now closed.