Parents

For Student Allowance, a parent includes: 

• a natural (birth) parent
• an adoptive parent
• a step-parent or partner of your parent
• any other person acting as a parent who is financially responsible for you. This can include family members, whāngai, and some current and former caregivers and legal guardians. 

For the Parental Assistance Test for Jobseeker Support Student Hardship, a parent is: 

• a natural (birth) parent
• an adoptive parent
• a step-parent who is married to, in a civil union with, or in a de facto relationship with your natural or adoptive parent. 

For the Parental Assistance Test, parents do not include parental figures such as whāngai or foster care arrangements. 

Caregivers and guardians who are not parents

A person (including their partner) who is or was your caregiver or legal guardian is not a parent if:

• they are or were paid a Foster Care Allowance, Orphan’s Benefit or Unsupported Child’s Benefit for you, or
• you’re living, or have lived, with them under a Transition Support Service arrangement through Oranga Tamariki.

If you're not sure, you can email us to talk about your situation.