Unable to meet essential living expenses

When assessing a Bond Grant, MSD may assess whether the client will be unable to meet their other essential living expenses if the assistance is paid. This includes when the client is unable to meet the essential living expenses for their partner and/or dependent children (if any).

Essential living expenses for the purposes of Housing Support Products may include, but are not limited to:

• accommodation
• food
• fuel (including petrol, diesel and oil)
• telephone costs, this may include:
  • internet connection and mobile service charges
• motor vehicles costs - repayment and running costs
• essential travel, this may include:
  • employment related travel
  • travel when accessing essential services and supplies (including children's education and groceries)
• power
• childcare costs
• hire purchase expenses for essential household items only, it may also include employment related items. It does not include luxury items such as fishing/jet boats or small planes
• transport cost due to disability
• disability and personal health costs
• counselling
• education costs for dependent children
• clothing

Essential living expenses may vary between clients and should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.