What is meant by "dependant" for the purposes of dependants' leave?

A dependant is someone who depends on you for help to deal with unexpected difficulties or emergencies. The law defines "dependants" as:

• husband, wife, partner
• children
• parent
• any other person in the same household as a family member (eg. not a tenant)
• any person who reasonably relies on you for assistance in the event of physical or mental illness or accident (eg an elderly neighbour)