Child leaves school
Child under the age of 18 years
When a child under 18 leaves school or tertiary education, MSD can continue to pay Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit for that child, and Clothing Allowance for Orphans and Unsupported children until the start of the pay period following their 18th birthday as long as the child remains a dependent child.
Child aged 18
When a child aged 18 years leaves school or tertiary education, Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit for the child, and Clothing Allowance for Orphans and Unsupported children should stop from the start of the pay period following the date the child left school or tertiary education.
There is discretion to continue payment for up to 28 days following the date the child left school or tertiary education to allow for a period of financial adjustment, generally to avoid hardship for the caregiver. MSD needs to consider the activity the child is going to when considering the use of this discretion.
Legislation
- Effect of child turning 18 years old subpart 18 part 2, Social Security Act 2018
- General rule if person's entitlement to benefit ceases section 325 Social Security Act 2018
