Children/Supported children

Our definition for supported child.

This definition is different for a Student Allowance and Jobseeker Support Student Hardship.

  • Student Allowance

    For the Student Allowance a child is someone:

    • who is under 24 years old and lives with you at least 50% of the time and
    • whose well-being and financial support is your responsibility.

    This can include:

    • stepchildren
    • children at boarding school
    • adopted or whāngai children
    • grandchildren
    • mokopuna.

    It does not include children:

    • who either:
      • earn more than $80 a week before tax
      • get a benefit, Student Allowance or another similar type of payment
    • for whom you are paid a Work and Income Orphans or Unsupported Child's Benefit.

  • Jobseeker Support Student Hardship and other payments

    For the Jobseeker Support Student Hardship and other payments, a child is someone:

    • who is under 18 years old and lives with you
    • whose financial support is your responsibility.

    This can include:

    • stepchildren
    • children at boarding school
    • adopted or whāngai children
    • grandchildren
    • mokopuna.

    It does not include children:

    • who either:
      • earn more than $80 a week before tax
      • get a benefit, Student Allowance or similar type of payment
    • for whom you are paid a Work and Income Orphans or Unsupported Child's Benefit.