36.4.1 Meaning of 'dependent'

'Dependent' is defined in S4(1) to mean: 'dependent for economic support'.

In view of this definition, it is clear that only economic issues may be considered in determining whether a person is 'dependent' upon the injured client for the purposes of the SRCA. Emotional or social dependency cannot be taken into account.

A separate definition of 'dependant' in S4(1) establishes who may be entitled to compensation in the event of the compensable death of a client.

In determining the dependency of a child, S4(7) specifies that certain child-related social security payments – family tax benefit (previously family allowance), carer allowance (previously child disability allowance) and double orphan pension – are not to be taken into account.