Remanded in custody

Generally, when a client is remanded in custody awaiting a further court appearance their benefit should be stopped. However, there is discretion to continue payment of Emergency Benefit after taking the client's financial circumstances and commitments into account.

When deciding whether to continue paying Emergency Benefit for the period of remand for a particular client consider the following:

• has the client been remanded pending further hearing or for sentencing
• does the client have continuing costs that cannot be avoided, such as rent and hire purchase for essential items
• does the client have client have a partner or dependent children

Every situation should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

For help contact Helpline to discuss the circumstances of the client before making a decision.

If a sole caregiver is remanded in custody and/or sentenced to a term of imprisonment, the case must be referred to Oranga Tamariki.

In other situations, 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.