Child applies for a benefit in their own right

Where a child applies for a benefit in their own right, exclude the child from the client's Emergency Benefit from:

• the start of the pay period following the date of event

Note there is discretion to continue payment for one more payday following the event.

or

• the date the child's benefit is granted

whichever is earlier.

Wherever possible (and in appropriate circumstances) the date of exclusion of the child from the client's benefit and the commencement date of the child's benefit, should coincide to avoid financial hardship for the family.

Note there are specific rules for deciding whether a child is considered a dependent child when the child turns 18.