Guidelines - Application for assistance

These guidelines apply to any applications for assistance that are not included in the definition of a benefit.

An application is any request for assistance for a particular need or purpose.

An application does not:

• need to be made in writing and can be made verbally
• have to be on a specific form or
• have to name a particular type of assistance

Note there are some forms of assistance that must be in writing. For a list of these, see: Applications that must be in writing.

A person does not have to request a particular type of assistance when they make an application and their application can be for more than one type of assistance.

When a client makes an application (ie makes a request for assistance for a particular need or purpose) they are making an application for all forms of assistance for that particular need or purpose. You must make sure that you gather all information necessary to assess a client's full and correct entitlement.

Note a simple request for information is not an application but you should ask the client whether they want to make an application.

For more information see:

• Verbal requests for assistance
• Timeframes for providing information
• What may be considered to be a written application
• Expired applications