Single and caring for a child not their own

There may be situations when a single client is unable to earn a sufficient livelihood, as they are caring for a child that is not their own and not be eligible for another benefit.

Note this emergency assistance is only available in cases of genuine need where a person has accepted responsibility for a child. It is not an incentive for people to take children into their care.

When a client is caring for a child that is not their own, consider the following:

• Can the client be considered as the parent of the child?
• What are the reasons they are caring for the child?
• How long will they be caring for the child?
• If long term, are more formal arrangements being considered (for example adoption)?
• Have any other reasonable caring arrangements been considered?
• Do the parents of the child have the ability to contribute to the cost of care?
• Is the child a qualifying child for Unsupported Childs Benefit or Orphans Benefit?

When a client is eligible for an Unsupported Childs Benefit or Orphans Benefit, this assistance must be granted before Emergency Maintenance Allowance is considered.

For more information see:

• Client eligible for Unsupported Childs Benefit or Orphans Benefit
• Emergency Benefit Not eligible for another benefit