Under sections 68 and 70 of the Women's Charter 1961, it is the duty of the parent / guardian of a child to maintain or contribute to their maintenance if they cannot look after themselves. 

If you are the parent / legal guardian of a child and you face financial difficulties in supporting the child, you may apply for a maintenance allowance out of the child's monies. 

In deciding the amount of the maintenance allowance, the following will be considered:

a) Your income, property and other financial resources; 

b) Your financial needs and responsibilities; 

c) The financial needs and the age of the child; and 

d) The way in which the child is being or is expected to be educated or trained.