Child not living at home
The child doesn't have to be living with the client to be a dependent child. MSD should consider the following:
- why the child is living away from home and
- how permanent the arrangement is and
- what payments the client makes towards the child's care and everyday living expenses
Here are some examples where the child does not live at home, but would be considered a dependent child.
Child attending a boarding school
Generally, the client should pay for some of the costs of the child attending a boarding school, including school fees, pocket money, clothing or travel. In addition to this the child should return to the client for some of the school holidays.
Note the client may not be paying boarding fees for the child when the child is getting a scholarship.
Child overseas on American Field Scholarship or other exchange student programme
The client must pay for some of the costs.
Child attending a specialist school
The client must pay for some of the costs of a child attending a specialist school.
Away From Home Allowance
When a 16-17 year old dependent child has needed to or chosen to move away from home to undertake tertiary study or employment related training, the client can receive an Away From Home Allowance to help pay the 16-17 year olds accommodation costs. See:
