New caregiver applies for benefit
Where a new caregiver applies for Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit, MSD must obtain verification from the previous caregiver that the child is no longer in their care.
Applications for Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit
If the new caregiver meets all the qualifications, and there has been no change in the circumstances of the child's parents, then Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit can be paid to the new caregiver.
When any application for Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit is granted, entitlement to an Establishment Grant can be considered, and a Clothing Allowance for the child will be paid automatically.
Care and protection concerns
When a child has come into a client's care, MSD should consider if there are any care and protection concerns.
If MSD believes any child has been, or is likely to be harmed (physically, emotionally or sexually), ill-treated, abused, neglected, deprived or MSD has concerns about the wellbeing of the child, the case must be referred to Oranga Tamariki.
MSD staff must notify Oranga Tamariki if they are aware that the child's sole caregiver has been remanded in custody and/or sentenced to a term of imprisonment.
