Financially independent
A child is considered to be financially independent when the child:
Other situations where a child is considered to be financially independent
There may be other situations where all a child's financial needs (including the provision of accommodation and material needs) are being met by someone else or from some other source. For example:
- a family trust or
- the parent who is not the principal caregiver
Date of review
When a child becomes financially independent Orphans Benefit or Unsupported Childs Benefit, and Clothing Allowance for Orphans and Unsupported children should stop from the beginning of the next pay period in which the child became financially independent.
However, there is discretion to continue payment for up to 28 days following the event. This discretion should generally be used when cancelling payment due to the child becoming independent.
Not financially independent
Generally, receiving a Student Loan (including the living cost component) does not mean a child is financially independent. For more information see:
Legislation
- Discretionary review of entitlement to, or rate of, benefit granted subpart 3 part 6, Social Security Act 2018
- If child ceases to be entitled to orphan's benefit or unsupported child's benefit section 329 Social Security Act 2018
