Relationship with only 1 parent

If you only have 1 parent, or you only have a relationship with 1 parent, we may be able to just use that parent’s income to work out how much you get for the Student Allowance.

Definition of what we class as a parent

You may only have 1 parent because the other parent:

  • has died
  • is in prison
  • has been issued with an inpatient order under the Mental Health Act.

Or your parents aren't living together and:

  • you’ve been abused by a parent
  • you’ve had a relationship breakdown with a parent and contact between you would have a detrimental psychological impact on yourself or your parent
  • you don’t know where a parent is.

Usually, we'll consider that you have 2 parents when:

  • your parent has a new partner, or
  • your parents are living together, or
  • there's another person supporting you as well as your parent (eg, another relative), or
  • your parent isn't earning any income, or
  • your parent doesn't give you any financial support, or
  • your parent doesn't approve of you studying, or
  • you don't live with your parents.
Student Allowance when you have 2 parents

How much you get will depend on their income. If their earnings are more than $60,968.96 a year before tax, the rate you get for Student Allowance goes down.

You can't get a Student Allowance if their earnings while you study are more than:

  • $110,928.72 if you live with them
  • $119,202.07 if you don't live with them.
Why we use parents' income to calculate the Student Allowance
What's counted as income for parents

What we assess as your parent's earnings will be reduced by $7,000 a year before tax if they already financially support other students who are:

  • aged 16-23
  • studying full-time in New Zealand at secondary school or an approved education provider.
Work out how your parent's income will affect your Student Allowance

Apply online for a Student Allowance (if you haven’t already).

You will be provided with a One Parent Application form to download at the end of Apply Online.

Alternatively, you can download the form.

linksOne Parent Application form (PDF 300.66KB)

If your parent's income changes, it may affect your Student Allowance.

Parent's income changes

If you want your parent to be able to contact us on your behalf, you need to fill out a form to appoint them as your agent.

Find out about agents

linksRelated

Student Allowance when you have 2 parents
No relationship with parents
Student Allowance