parental assistance test for 18 and 19 year olds
young people transferring to jobseeker support or jobseeker support student hardship need to complete a parental assistance test from 2 november 2026
It’s expected that young people enter work, study, or training. If young people are not learning or earning, their parents are expected to support them and ensures support is targeted to young people who have no other resources to rely on.
internal use only
The information below has been developed to support youth coaches in their role and provide additional context and guidance. It is intended for use within Youth Service and should not be shared outside of Youth Service before 2 November 2026.
If you have any questions, or would like to discuss the information further, please contact the National Youth Service Team at national_youthservice@msd.govt.nz.
overview
It is expected that all young people are supported by their parents in the first instance, rather than relying on MSD’s support.
From 2 November 2026, a Parental Assistance Test will be introduced for young people without children in their care when they apply or reapply for Jobseeker Support or the equivalent Emergency Benefit.
It’s expected that young people enter work, study, or training. If young people are not learning or earning, their parents are expected to support them and support will be targeted to young people who have no other resources to rely on.
To be eligible for Jobseeker Support or the equivalent Emergency Benefit, a young person will need to meet the Parental Assistance Test by showing that:
- there is a good reason they can’t rely on their parents for financial support (Parental Support Gap) and/or
- their parents combined total income (before tax) is at or below the income limit (parental income test).
who the parental assistance test applies to
The Parental Assistance Test applies to young people who:
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are aged 18 or 19 years
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do not have a child in their care (for example, a dependent child, a child for whom they receive Orphans Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit, or a child for whom they receive Foster Care Allowance)
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are single or in a relationship (including a marriage, civil union, or de facto relationship)
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are applying for or receiving Jobseeker Support or the equivalent Emergency Benefit.
Note: The Parental Assistance Test also applies for 16 or 17 year old's who want to be included on a Jobseeker Support or the equivalent Emergency Benefit (our young partners).
For couples receiving Jobseeker Support, each young person who is subject to a Parental Assistance Test must separately meet the Parental Assistance Test.
parental support gap
Young people who can’t reasonably rely on their parents for financial support are considered to have a Parental Support Gap.
This may be because they cannot receive support from their parent, it is unsafe for them to do so, or it is not reasonable to expect the parent to provide financial support. The young person can declare a Parental Support Gap by completing a Parental Assistance Test form detailing their circumstances.
We determine whether a Parental Support Gap exists via a Parental Support Gap test, which assesses whether the young person has provided sufficient evidence to confirm that they can’t reasonably rely on their parents for support.
If there is no Parental Support Gap for a parent, their income is tested though the Parental Income Test.
evidence of a parental support gap
When a young person declares that they have a Parental Support Gap with one or both parents, the young person must provide supporting evidence to verify that they cannot rely on their parents for support. The evidence must clearly support the reason for the Parental Support Gap.
For example, if the young person has a deceased parent, they can provide a death certificate, a protection order from the court if there is a safety concern with a parent, or a medical certificate if the parent was in long term hospital care.
supporting statement from a registered professional
If a young person can’t provide evidence of a Parental Support Gap they can instead ask a registered professional to provide a supporting statement.
The registered professional must have a current registration/practicing certificate with the relevant professional body in the health, education, justice, or social services sector (eg registered teachers, social workers, counsellors, doctors).
The registered professional will either need to complete a Parental Assistance Test form or write a letter for the young person to provide to us.
The registered professional must also:
- know the personal circumstances of the young person in relation to their Parental Support Gap
- be willing to be contacted by MSD to confirm/verify the Parental Support Gap
- be aged 20 years old or above, and
- not be a member of the young person’s immediate family.
youth coach supporting statement
As part of the ageing out process, a youth coach can provide a supporting statement for a young person who is transferring from Youth Payment to Jobseeker Support or Jobseeker Support Student Hardship. This may also apply to an 18 or 19-year-old receiving Young Parent Payment whose child is no longer in their care.
This supporting statement confirms that a Parental Support Gap exists between the young person and their parents. Youth coaches can do this by completing the Supporting Statement section of the Parental Assistance Test form. Youth coaches provide this as part of their transfer process for the young person.
A youth coach supporting statement can only be provided for young people who are currently enrolled in your service and receiving support. If a young person has already exited your service, you cannot provide a supporting statement on their behalf.
parental income test
The Parental Income Test is an assessment that determines whether a young person’s parents income is at or below the income limit.
For a Parental Income Test to be completed, the young person must provide the income of two parents, unless they only have the support of one parent – in which case they must provide evidence of a Parental Support Gap for the other parent.
The income limit for the parental income test is set at the gross income cut-out point for a couple with children receiving Supported Living Payment. The Parental Income Test checks the combined total gross income of up to two parents against this income limit. If the income is at or below the income limit, they meet the Parental Income Test. If the income is over the income limit, they do not meet the Parental Income Test.
Learn more
more information
To help build your understanding of the Parental Assistance Test, please make sure you complete the eLearning module.