Would you answer this question?

[Grumpy John]

This is one of the reasons I hate filling out forms from Centrelink.
I am over 65 AND claiming Age Pension, my wife (partner) is under age pension age and is NOT claiming Age Pension.
So does she not have to answer the question, or answer in the negative (No)?

413949

[Lappa]

You answer, your partner doesn't answer anything

[Picko]

She doesn't answer. Lappa beat me by half a lap.

[Chris Parks]

After attempting to answer everything as I thought it should be answered and failing miserably I eventually let an expert fill it in and just signed and had no problems. Keep a copy as they ask for updates every year.

[mike48]

I think it also has incorrect English by Centrelink -

"Your partner should answer this question only if they are over ... "

Should be

"Your partner should answer this question only if he or she is over ..."

The use of "they" implies the plural.

[Oldgreybeard]

It is even more confusing depending on where you place the emphasis on the word 'only'.

Your partner should answer this question only ... implying that they should not answer any other question if they are over 65 - or -
Your partner should answer this question - only if they are over .. implying that they should or could have to answer other questions irrespective of thier age.

[Fuzzie]

There is established and practical justification for using 'they' as a singular pronoun:
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/usage/he-or-she-versus-they

[ian]

:whs:

I abhor the "he" "she" mumble