Definition of a Family Unit

Family unit

A family unit normally includes the head of the family, partner and dependent children. Other relatives may be included in the family unit if they can provide evidence that they are fully dependent on the head of the family.

Partner

A partner is the spouse or de facto partner (including same-sex partner) of the head of the family unit.

Dependent child

A dependent child is the child or stepchild, of the head of the family unit or their partner who:

• is not married, engaged to be married or in a de facto relationship
• has not turned 18
  or
• if they have turned 18, is a full-time student, or is incapacitated for work.

Other dependent relatives

Other relatives may be included in the application if they are wholly or substantially reliant on the head of the family for financial support for their basic needs of food, shelter and clothing and they have been reliant on that support for a substantial period.

They must also be more reliant on the head of the family for support than on any other person or source. A relative may also be considered dependent if they are reliant on the head of the family for financial support because they have a mental or physical disability which stops them from earning a living to support themselves.

Other dependent relatives may include, for example, an aged, unmarried relative.