Change in age

A child's age may affect:

• the family tax credit payable
• the Best Start tax credit payable
• the partner's obligations and
• whether the child is still a dependent child

Unless a partner qualifies for an exemption from their obligations, they are required to:

• prepare for work (if required) when the youngest dependent child is under 3 years old
• meet the part-time work obligations when the youngest dependent child turns 3
• meet the full-time work obligations when the youngest dependent child turns 14

A child is not a dependent child if they are:

• in full-time employment

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.

• getting a benefit in their own right or
• financially independent

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 payments, unless they are continuing in education and are not financially independent. 

If the parent or caregiver is getting a discretionary benefit such as Jobseeker Support on the ground of hardship, they must complete a review of circumstances to determine if they continue to qualify for their discretionary benefit.