Definition of parent

The definition of a student's parent for the Student Allowance parental income test includes:

• a natural or adoptive parent
• a step-parent - a person who is married to, in a civil union or, a de facto relationship with, the student's parent
• any person acting in place of a parent of the student

A parent does not include a caregiver or legal guardian, or their partner, who is:

• getting or has received a Foster Care Allowance, Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit for the student
• providing or has provided a transition support living arrangement for the student under section 386AAD of Oranga Tamariki Act 1989

A transition support living arrangement is where a young person stays or returns to living with a caregiver up to the age of 21.

If a student has more than 2 parents, they must nominate the 2 parents who are the major contributors to their support.

The combined parental income of these 2 parents is the parental income of the student.

MSD does not have to accept the nomination of the student if there is information to suggest the nominated parents are not the major contributors to the student's support.