You may be eligible for a dependency allowance of $15 weekly for each child (including step-child or child for whom you act as guardian) for whom you are the whole or main support, and who falls into one of the following categories:

  • Under 18 years of age.
  • Under 21 years of age and a full-time student
  • A mentally or physically handicapped child of any age.

Either the mother or father of a child may collect the dependency allowance. However, if both parents receive benefits for the same week, only one may receive an allowance for the child.

You may be eligible for a dependency allowance of $15 for your spouse if, at the beginning of your benefit year, your spouse is unemployed, lives in the same household with you, and:

  • Has not worked during the past three months; or
  • Is pregnant; or
  • Has a mental or physical disability expected to last for a long or indefinite time?  Total dependency allowance cannot be paid for more than five dependents ($75).