Death of a child

When a dependent child dies they should be excluded from a sole parent's Jobseeker Support 28 days following the date of the child's death.

Payment of the benefit may continue at the existing rate for 28 days following the date the child died.

This provides a transition for the client to adjust to their change in circumstances.

Note during the 28-day continuation of payment, if the client has other changes of circumstances such as a change of income, the rate of any benefit will need to be reassessed using the sole parent threshold rates.

Generally, clients getting Jobseeker Support must respond to their notice before the child's 18th birthday or the child will be excluded from their payments. When a client is getting a discretionary benefit such as Jobseeker Support on the ground of hardship, the client must complete a review of circumstances to determine if they continue to qualify for their discretionary benefit and the rate payable, or their payments will suspend.

If Jobseeker Support and any extra help is continuing at the existing rate for up to 28 days because a sole parent's child has died, and the child that died was due to turn 18 during that period, the child will not be excluded, and the client is not required to respond to the notice or complete a review of circumstances.

However, if Jobseeker Support and any extra help is continuing at the existing rate for up to 28 days because a sole parent's child has died and a different child in their care turns 18, the client must respond to the notice or the 18-year-old will be excluded from their payments or if required, complete a review of circumstances or their payments will suspend.

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.