Sole parents
If a client is getting Sole Parent Support and the expected period in residential care is short term the client can continue to get Sole Parent Support.
Before continuing the benefit, check:
- that the client remains financially responsible for their children
- the child or children are only temporarily out of care and will be returning to the care of the client upon their discharge
- how long the client is likely to be in care
- their financial circumstances
- their continuing commitments and
- any childcare arrangements
If the client is getting another benefit, MSD must check whether the client can still meet the qualifications. If not, consider transferring to a more appropriate benefit such as Jobseeker Support on the ground of a health condition, injury or a disability or Supported Living Payment on the ground of a health condition, injury, disability or total blindness.
Child moves permanently
Where the child moves permanently from the client's care or is taken into the care, custody or sole guardianship of Oranga Tamariki, there is no continued entitlement to Sole Parent Support.
The client will need to apply for another benefit, such as Jobseeker Support on the ground of a health condition, injury or a disability. The new caregiver may be entitled to assistance for the child such as:
- Unsupported Child's Benefit
- Main benefits Emergency Benefit or
- Extra help Family tax credit
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.
