Assessing Accommodation Security Cover Grant

An Accommodation Security Cover Grant is available for people who are likely to be able to keep accommodation but require some assistance to get it.

Accommodation Security Cover Grant is a discretionary grant. MSD needs to consider the client's individual circumstances and determine whether the Accommodation Security Cover Grant should be granted. 

In order to make a decision to grant, MSD must consider:

• the purpose of the Housing Support Programme, including whether making a conditional grant for Accommodation Security Cover Grant would be the correct use of the payment
• any other financial assistance available to the client that could be used to meet their need
• whether the client and their partner (if any) could meet the need from their own resources, including accessing cash assets or receiving support from other Government agencies
• any impacts on the client, their partner (if any), and their dependent children (if any) if the Accommodation Security Cover Grant is not granted and
• whether the client intends to stay in the accommodation for fewer than 28 days

There are also factors MSD may consider, such as:

• whether the client or their partner (if any) has caused or contributed to the need for an Accommodation Security Cover Grant and
• the ability of the client and their partner (if any) to meet their essential living expenses if assistance is granted
• the existing debt of the client and their partner (if any)
• whether the accommodation is suitable to live in
• any other matters MSD think are relevant

An Accommodation Security Cover Grant can be declined if a grant would not be appropriate after having considered the circumstances of the client and their partner (if any) and dependent children (if any).