Entering a refuge

When a young person is applying for Young Parent Payment after entering a refuge following the break-up of a relationship, the initial stand-down period can be waived.

Generally the young person must enter the refuge immediately following the break-up of their relationship. This means entering the refuge within a period similar in duration to the stand-down (that is, within 7 to 14 days). When there is a delay between the separation and the young person entering the refuge, general commencement date rules apply.

In this context a refuge is emergency accommodation provided by an agency or organisation. This includes (but is not restricted to) agencies such as Women's Refuge, Home and Family Society, Emergency Housing Trusts, Iwi and cultural organisations, and church organisations.

Note that accommodation provided by family or friends of the young person is not considered to be refuge accommodation.

For more information see:

• Commencement date