How is a ‘single parent’ defined?
A single parent or single legal guardian must demonstrate that they are the natural or adoptive parent of a dependent child within the meaning of s.5 of the Social Security Act 1991 (Cth). In a general sense, this means that the person must show that they are legally responsible (whether alone or jointly with another person) for the day-to-day care, welfare and development of the dependent child and the dependent child is in their care.
Alternatively, the eligible single parent or eligible single legal guardian must show that they are the natural parent, adoptive parent or legal guardian of a person who receives a disability support pension and lives with them.
A parent is not a single parent if they are married or in a de facto relationship. NB: a person who is separated but not divorced is not single.
What if I used to own a home?
Previous home owners can apply for the Family Home Guarantee provided they do no currently own a home.
To be eligible, you must not currently have:
- a freehold interest in real property in Australia
- a lease of land in Australia
- a company title interest in land in Australia
There are no costs or repayments associated with the guarantee. However, eligible single parents are responsible for meeting all costs and repayments for the home loan associated with the guarantee.