Permanent return to parents' care

When a child returns to live with their parents permanently, and the parents resume primary responsibility for the child other than on a temporary basis, then the caregiver getting Unsupported Child's Benefit is no longer an eligible caregiver.

The Unsupported Child's Benefit should generally stop from the start of the pay period following the date of event.

However, there is discretion to continue payment for up to 28 days following the event to allow for a period of financial adjustment, generally to avoid hardship for the client.

Generally, caregivers getting Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit must respond to the Mandatory Review before their review date or their payments will suspend.

If a child no longer qualifies, but the Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit will continue at a different rate because a caregiver gets this payment for more than one child, the caregiver may be able to get an extension if they need more time to respond to the Mandatory Review.

If the caregiver is unable to respond to the review (even if they had more time) based on their individual circumstances, they may qualify for an exemption.

Generally, when the Mandatory Review is only for Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit and the benefit will stop at the end of the continuation period, and the review is due, an exemption will apply.

The caregiver must contact MSD before their review date to discuss their situation if they need an extension or exemption.

Generally, caregivers getting Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit must respond to their notice before the child's 18th birthday or Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit for the child will stop.

If Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit is continuing for up to 28 days because a child no longer qualifies, and that child turns 18 during that period, the caregiver is not required to respond to the notice and Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit will not stop during that period.

However, if Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit is continuing for up to 28 days because a child no longer qualifies, and a different child in their care (that Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit is also paid for) turns 18, the caregiver must respond to the notice or Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit for the 18-year-old will stop.