Death of a child

When a dependent child dies, the child should be excluded from a couple's benefit from the start of the pay period following the date of the child's death.

When a dependent child dies they should be excluded from a sole parent's benefit 28 days following the date of death.

Payment of the benefit may continue at the existing rate for 28 days following the date the child died.

This provides a transition period for the client to adjust to their change in circumstances.

Note during the 28-day continuation of payment, if the client has other changes of circumstances e.g. a change in income, the rate of any benefit will need to be reassessed using the sole parent threshold rates.

Generally, clients getting a discretionary benefit such as Emergency Benefit must respond to their notice before the child's 18th birthday or the child will be excluded from their payments. The client must also complete a review of circumstances to determine if they continue to qualify for Emergency Benefit and the rate payable, or their payments will suspend.

If Emergency Benefit and any extra help is continuing at the existing rate for up to 28 days because a sole parent's child has died, and the child that died was due to turn 18 during that period, the client is not required to complete a review of circumstances.

However, if Emergency Benefit and any extra help is continuing at the existing rate for up to 28 days because a sole parent's child has died and a different child in their care turns 18, the client must still complete the review of circumstances or their payments will suspend.