An archaic social security rule in Australia, known as the partner income test, is forcing individuals with disabilities to choose between living with a romantic partner and maintaining their financial independence, potentially trapping them in poverty or unsafe situations. This "1950s mentality" policy, established in 1947, cuts or ends welfare payments like the Disability Support Pension (DSP) if a recipient moves in with a partner earning above a certain threshold, currently resulting in a 50-cent reduction for every dollar earned above $380. Advocates argue this outdated rule ignores the modern cost of living and the specific needs of disabled individuals, whose medical expenses are often high, and fails to acknowledge that many modern households cannot sustain themselves on a single income. Despite a growing campaign for change, including a parliamentary petition signed by over 25,000 people, the federal government maintains the test reflects the principle that couples should pool resources, though exceptions exist for hardship or domestic violence.