Social Security Act 2018, ss 291, 360, 361
Historically, if a Work and Income client was found to have dishonestly claimed a single benefit while in a relationship, that client was solely responsible for paying back the fraud debt. From 7 July 2014, a “relationship debt sharing” law has allowed Work and Income to investigate and prosecute both the client and their partner for benefit fraud. This applies to all debt where an investigation clearly shows that the partner has knowingly benefitted from benefit fraud.
Note: The debt shared between you and your partner is debt from when you’re together as a couple. If you split up, the debt remains shared until it’s paid in full. Any debt you have stays with you and your partner until it’s paid off.