Separating from a partner while continuing to live together is increasingly common in Australia, driven by rising housing costs and the desire to maintain stability for children. However, proving you’re genuinely separated under one roof can be challenging when applying for Centrelink benefits, filing for divorce, or negotiating property settlements.

This interactive assessment tool helps you evaluate the strength of your separation evidence based on the official Five Factors framework used by Services Australia and the Family Court of Australia. The assessment examines five critical areas that authorities use to determine whether a genuine separation has occurred:

1. Financial — Are your bank accounts and expenses managed independently?
2. Social — Have you informed others and stopped presenting as a couple?
3. Relationship — Do you have separate sleeping arrangements?
4. Household — Are meals and chores handled independently?
5. Commitment — Is reconciliation off the table?

After answering 10 straightforward questions, you’ll receive a personalised evidence strength score with a breakdown for each factor. More importantly, the tool provides tailored recommendations highlighting specific areas where your documentation may need strengthening before submitting applications to Centrelink or the Court.

Why This Matters

When you apply for single-rate Centrelink payments using the SS293 form, or when you file an affidavit for divorce after separating under one roof, authorities scrutinise your living arrangements carefully. Weak evidence in any of the five factors can result in rejected applications, delayed payments, or complications in your divorce proceedings.

Many people don’t realise their separation evidence has gaps until it’s too late. For example, you might have separate bedrooms but still share meals daily, or you’ve told close friends about the separation but haven’t updated your social media status or informed extended family. These seemingly small details matter to decision-makers.

How to Use Your Results

Your assessment results aren’t just a score—they’re a practical roadmap. If your Financial factor scores low, you’ll know to prioritise opening separate bank accounts and documenting independent bill payments. A weak Social score suggests you need witness statements from friends or family confirming your separation.

Complete the assessment in just 2-3 minutes—your answers are completely private and never stored. Take the first step toward understanding where you stand.