Effect of not using services to build financial capability
When a client applying for a Special Needs Grant, Advance Payment of Benefit or Recoverable Assistance Payment chooses to not use services to help them build their financial capability, the effect depends on whether the client:
- was offered information on the services or
- must use the service as a budgeting activity obligation
Information offered | Budgeting activity obligation required | |
Process | Information about services to build financial capability is offered to all clients as part of the general hardship application process. | A client or partner must use a specific service to build financial capability to meet their budgeting activity obligation. |
Effect of not using services to build financial capability | There is no adverse impact if the client does not access the services offered. Client will be offered information on these services if they apply for a Special Needs Grant, Advance Payment of Benefit or Recoverable Assistance Payment again. | The staff member will determine if the client has met their obligations through any activities completed and if not, may decline the application for hardship assistance. |
Legislation
- Advance payment of instalments of benefit section 347 Social Security Act 2018
- Requirement for beneficiary, spouse or partner, or both, to undertake budgeting activity section 348 Social Security Act 2018
- Advance payment of benefits regulations 201-204 Social Security Regulations 2018
- Exercise of Discretion clause 6.4 Direction on Advance Payments of Instalments of Benefit
