Child turns 18

A dependent child must generally be under the age of 18 to be included in their parent or caregiver's Emergency Maintenance Allowance.

When a child turns 18, they are generally no longer considered a dependent child and must be excluded from their parent or caregiver's Emergency Maintenance Allowance from the start of the pay period following the child's 18th birthday. The parent or caregiver must also 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.

However, if the 18-year-old child is continuing in education and is not financially independent, the child may continue to be considered a dependent child and included in their parent or caregiver's Emergency Maintenance Allowance for a limited period.

In these situations, the child must be excluded from the start of the pay period following:

• the date they no longer meet these criteria or
• 31 December of the year they turn 18

whichever is earlier

Note a parent or caregiver getting Emergency Maintenance Allowance must complete a review of circumstances when a dependent child turns 18, and when the child is excluded (if they continued to be included in the parent or caregiver's benefit after the child turned 18).

If the parent or caregiver does not complete the review, their Emergency Maintenance Allowance will be suspended.