Exceptional circumstances for income and cash asset limits

In determining whether the client has exceptional circumstances, consider the following factors:

• if the client has any special or unusual costs compared to others in a similar position
• if the client has any special or unusual reasons for any costs that have caused or contributed to the need
• the age and health of the client and any dependants
• if the client the principal caregiver of a child 12 months or younger
• the client's ability to improve their financial situation
• the causes of the client's financial difficulty, particularly if the client caused or contributed to their financial difficulty because they have used their money unwisely
• the extent to which the client's basic necessities of life would be at risk if an Emergency Housing Grant is not granted
• if the client is escaping from an unsafe environment
• any other circumstances about the client's situation MSD considers relevant