Other emergency payments

When a client applies for a Recoverable Assistance Payment for an item or service that does not fit an existing category, and they meet all qualifications, the 'other emergency payment' category may be considered if:

• special circumstances exist and
• the client and their partner (if any) or dependent children (if any) would suffer serious hardship without that item or service

If you consider a client's situation means a Recoverable Assistance Payment should be made under the 'other emergency payment' category discuss this with Helpline and/or your manager.

When the 'other emergency payment' category is used, clearly identify and record the reasons and decisions made.

Reasons such as 'account fees', 'approved by manager', and 'hire purchase', are not satisfactory as they could relate to a range of items.

Except when there are exceptional circumstances payment cannot be more than:

• 6 weeks of the appropriate rate of Supported Living Payment that the client would be entitled to get or
• $200

whichever is the least amount.