No opted-in suppliers available

An Emergency Housing Grant may be granted to not opted-in suppliers if MSD determines there are no opted-in suppliers available that are adequate for the needs of the client, their partner and dependent children (if any).

Before paying an Emergency Housing Grant for a not opted-in supplier, we must consider if it is:

• adequate for the needs of the client and their immediate family (if any) and
• a reasonable cost

Generally, when there are no opted-in suppliers available, if the client needs a further emergency housing grant, there must be a reasonable attempt made to find an available opted-in supplier.

What is adequate for needs depends on the circumstances of the client, their partner and dependent children (if any) and needs to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

For example:

• Daniel needs wheelchair access but the opted-in suppliers in the area he can stay does not have wheelchair access, however a not opted-in supplier does. In this situation MSD can pay for the not opted-in supplier as it will meet Daniel's needs.

If there are adequate opted-in suppliers, but they do not have vacancies from the date the client has nowhere to stay, a not opted-in supplier can be considered.

This includes when an opted-in supplier has vacancies, but not for 7 consecutive nights, and requiring the client to apply again within 7 nights would be unreasonable in their circumstances. For example:

• having to apply again so soon would cause additional stress that would impact on the client, their partner and dependent children (if any)'s wellbeing

If there is not enough time to find an available opted-in supplier before the client has nowhere to stay, MSD can consider paying for a not opted-in supplier.

A reasonable effort must still be made in the time available to find an opted-in supplier before paying for the not opted-in supplier.