New rules in place this week will affect same-sex couples receiving or applying for income assistance, says Work and Income NZ (WINZ). Labour MP Charles Chauvel explains “from 1st April 2007, couples in same-sex de facto relationships received the same status as married, civil unioned and opposite-sex de facto couples when it comes to income assistance.” The changes affect payments from Work and Income – including New Zealand Superannuation – StudyLink, and the Veteran's Pension. For income assistance purposes, WINZ rules now state you are in a same-sex relationship if you “share your life with someone of the same sex in the same way as two people who are in an opposite sex de facto relationship, or married or in a Civil Union. “A relationship which affects your payment generally means that you and your partner are committed to each other emotionally, and have a financial interdependence with each other.” Neil Denney of Gay and Lesbian Welfare says he's received a few calls this week from people querying the new rules. WINZ advises LGBT New Zealanders receiving income assistance to inform them straight away if your relationship circumstances change. “If you forget to tell us or tell us late you could be paid the wrong amount of money. You could also be missing out on payments. If we pay you too much you could end up with debt that you could have to pay back. You could also be prosecuted.” The 1st of April announcements also include an increase in the minimum wage, and an entitlement to four weeks annual paid leave for all employees, says Chauvel, “and there's good news for GBLT super-annuitants too.” From 1st April, New Zealand Superannuation rose by $13.16 for a single super-annuitant living alone, and by $20.24 for a couple. For more information about the changes, and to check your status, phone WINZ on 0800 559 009, StudyLink on 0800 889 900, War Pension Services on 0800 553 003, Deaf Link free-fax on 8000 621 621, Community Services Card on 0800 999 999, or NZ Superannuation on 0800 552 002. All calls are free and can be anonymous if you wish. Ref: WINZ, GayNZ.com, Labour (m)