dependent child
A dependent child is a child who is:
- primarily the responsibility of the client
- maintained as a member of that family
- financially dependent on that client
- in the custody of the Chief Executive of Oranga Tamariki but has been returned to their parent's care
A dependent child does not include a:
- child getting payments under section 363 of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 and
- young person getting a Young Parent Payment and their child (see Dependent children, young parents and the child's parent or step parent examples)
Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit being paid for the child
When Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit is being paid for a child, the child is not considered a dependent child when assessing the payment rate of main benefit, Accommodation Supplement or Temporary Additional Support for their principal caregiver or principal temporary caregiver.
Care and protection concerns
If MSD believes any child has been, or is likely to be harmed (physically, emotionally or sexually), ill-treated, abused, neglected, deprived or MSD has concerns about the wellbeing of the child, the case must be referred to Oranga Tamariki.
Child turns 18
When a child turns 18, they may be considered a dependent child for a limited period, if they are a child who is:
- continuing in education and
- not financially independent
For more information see:
Legislation
- dependent child (definition) schedule 2 Social Security Act 2018
- dependent child (definition) regulation 57 Social Security Regulations 2018
- Effect of child turning 18 years old subpart 18 part 2, Social Security Act 2018
