Birth of a child

When a client applies to have their newborn child included in their benefit, the following information is required:

• full birth certificate of the child, or confirmation from Internal Affairs that the child's birth was registered online, and permission was given to share the birth registration with MSD
• written statement from the client requesting inclusion of the child

If a child's birth certificate is not available immediately, you can include the child in the benefit (without delay) where the client can provide:

• Plunket records
• birth notices
• confirmation from the client's midwife or doctor of the date of birth of the new child or
• hospital papers

You must follow-up to make sure the client produces a copy of the birth certificate.

If a child is born with a mental or physical disability, needs constant care and attention because of a disability, or is likely to require care for at least 12 months, the client should test their eligibility for Child Disability Allowance.

Where a child has ongoing additional costs because of a disability they may be able to receive a Disability Allowance.