Exceptional circumstances

A client cannot be paid more than two Bond Grants or Accommodation Security Cover Grants (combined) in a 52-week period, unless MSD is satisfied there are exceptional circumstances.

Exceptional circumstances are where the circumstance:

• sets the client apart from others in a similar situation and
• is beyond the client's control

The following situations are generally considered as exceptional circumstances (but not limited to):

• the client needs to move through no fault of their own, e.g.:
  • the client has been notified the owner will move back into the rental property
  • the property is deemed uninhabitable due to damage (such as a burst waterpipe) and major repairs are needed
• the client was a victim of a violent crime or family violence and has had a change in their housing circumstances, e.g.:
  • needing to move to a different property following a violent crime or
  • no longer living with their partner after seeking a protection order (including if the client remains in the same property without their partner)

There may be other reasons for exceptional circumstances.