Change in age
A child's age may affect:
- the family tax credit payable
- the Best Start tax credit payable
- whether the child is still a dependent child
- eligibility for Emergency Maintenance Allowance and
- the client's obligations
Child is not dependent
A child is not a dependent child if they are:
Note generally a child is still a dependent child when they start part-time employment.
- getting a basic Student Allowance or an Independent Circumstances Allowance
Note getting a Student Loan does not always mean a child is financially independent.
Child turns 14
When a client's last dependent child turns 14, the client no longer qualifies for Emergency Maintenance Allowance.
Child turns 18
When a child turns 18, they are generally no longer considered a dependent child and can no longer be included in their parent or caregiver's payment, unless they are continuing in education and are not financially independent. The client must complete a review of circumstances to determine if they continue to qualify for their discretionary benefit such as Emergency Maintenance Allowance, and the rate payable.
