Death of a child

When a dependent child dies, the child should be excluded from Emergency Maintenance Allowance 28 days following the date of the child's death.

Payment of the benefit should 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.

Best Start tax credit is paid for 28 days following the child's date of death.

Note if the child's third birthday is in the 28-day period the Best Start tax credit stops from the date of the child's third birthday.

Generally, clients getting a discretionary benefit such as Emergency Maintenance Allowance 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 Maintenance Allowance and the rate payable, or their payments will suspend.

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