Child leaves school
Child under the age of 18 years
When a child under the age of 18 years leaves school or tertiary education, they can continue to be included in the parent or caregiver's Emergency Benefit until the start of the pay period following their 18th birthday as long as the child remains a dependent child.
Child aged 18 years old
When a child aged 18 years old leaves school or tertiary education, they should be excluded from their parent or caregiver's payment from the start of the pay period following the date the child left school or tertiary education. The parent or caregiver must complete a review of circumstances to determine if they continue to qualify for their discretionary benefit such as Emergency Benefit, and the rate payable.
Family tax credit
When a child leaves school or tertiary education, family tax credits should be stopped from the day the child is excluded from the parent or caregiver's Emergency Benefit.
For more information see:
- Effect on benefit
- Core policy Child turns 18
- Core policy Child turns 18 and may continue to be included
- Core policy Review of discretionary benefit when child turns 18
- Core policy Outcomes when child turns 18
Legislation
- MSD may include C as dependent child for eligibility or rate of benefit for determined period section 103F Social Security Act 2018
- General rule if person's entitlement to benefit ceases section 325 Social Security Act 2018
- Credits for person aged 18 section MC 9 Income Tax Act 2007
