Child turns 18

A dependent child must generally be under the age of 18 to be included in their parent or caregiver's single living alone rate of New Zealand Superannuation.

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

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 be included in their parent or caregiver's New Zealand Superannuation 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