Calculating rate when partner in the community
You will need to complete the following steps to calculate the amount of Community Costs to pay when the client has a partner in the community.
Step 1
Calculate in weekly amounts:
- (A) the client's essential ongoing costs to return to the community and
- (B) any new costs incurred as a result of the entry into the programme
Step 2
Calculate the couple's combined net income before the client's entry into the programme.
Step 3
Calculate the couple's income now.
You will need to exclude:
- any amount the client is required to pay towards the cost of their care and
- an amount equivalent to the personal allowance
Remember to check that the partner in the community is getting all their entitlements to income support and Working for Families Tax Credits (if applicable).
Step 4
Calculate the difference between the couple's combined net income before the client's entry into the programme (Step 2) and their net income now (Step 3).
Step 5
Calculate the difference between the client's essential ongoing costs (Step 1A) and any assistance being received for those costs (Step 3).
Step 6
Calculate the rate of Community Costs to pay.
You can pay the essential ongoing costs not being met by any assistance (Step 5) up to the difference in income calculated at Step 4, unless the client has new costs as a result of their entry into the programme (Step 1B), in which case you can pay an additional amount to meet the new costs.
Remember if the amount you decide to pay is more than the $300 maximum, you will need manager client service delivery approval.
