Applying hardship obligations to partners

Hardship obligations can apply to a client and/or their partner.

It may be appropriate to apply hardship obligations to a partner when:

• previous assistance has been provided to meet the need of both the client and partner (eg food grants have been provided because both the client and partner need food)
• the partner has contributed to the need for assistance (eg where assistance with a power bill is required because both the client and partner have not paid a previous bill)
• the partner's actions are adversely affecting the client's ongoing financial position

Generally, when a partner has not taken reasonable steps or not completed a budgeting activity, an application from the client for a Special Needs Grant, Advance Payment of Benefit or Recoverable Assistance Payment will be declined unless exceptional circumstances exist.

For more information see:

• Hardship obligations
• Reasonable steps obligation
• Budgeting activity obligation
• Failure to meet hardship obligations
• Partners with youth activity obligations