Death of a client
Sole Parent Support can continue to be paid for 28 days following the death of a client.
The continuation of payment beyond the date of death is referred to as terminal benefit.
Exception
When the death of the client was the result of an accident, entitlement to a lump sum ACC payment needs to be decided before terminal benefit can be paid.
If the child is entitled to a survivor's grant from ACC there is no entitlement to Sole Parent Support beyond the date of death.
When benefit payment has continued beyond the date of death, an overpayment should be established and recovery of the debt should be sought from the estate.
Cost of funeral
The person responsible for the cost of the funeral may be able to get a Funeral Grant.
Child turns 18
A child will not be excluded from the client's Sole Parent Support when the child turns 18 during the 28-day continuation of payment.
For more information see:
Legislation
- After death of beneficiary receiving specified benefit section 326 Social Security Act 2018
- exception (definition) section 103A Social Security Act 2018
