20122 (2026). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

20122 (2026). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What, documents, if any does Work and Income refer to when attempting to prove someone's relationship status?

Hon Louise Upston: I am advised by the Ministry of Social Development (the Ministry) that when someone is applying for a benefit where the applicant’s relationship status is relevant, they are asked to confirm their status in the application form. I am further advised that, when the Ministry is investigating cases where a person’s relationship status may be in question, evidence is gathered to assess both the emotional commitment between the parties and their financial interdependence. Ministry staff have powers under legislation and subject to a Code of Conduct, to obtain information to help assess entitlement to payments. In most cases, staff are required to seek information from the client in the first instance however the Ministry may seek information directly from third parties when seeking information from the client could prejudice an investigation. A wide range of documentary evidence may assist in this assessment. This might commonly include: • tenancy agreements • bank records • credit or loan documents • public records • hire purchase agreements • school enrolment forms • local authority records • birth or marriage registration • vehicle registration • property registration • club memberships Evidence showing the nature of the relationship can come from many different sources, and this list does not cover all possibilities.