Partner in community not getting a benefit

If the partner in the community is not receiving a benefit, they may qualify for an Emergency Benefit payable at the Supported Living Payment single, or sole parent rate if they have a dependent child.

Note the commencement date of the Emergency Benefit is generally subject to the usual stand-down. In some cases the individual circumstances may justify waiving the stand-down.

If the partner in care has applied for a Residential Care Subsidy, the income of the partner in the community, that was included in the means assessment of their partner in residential care, cannot be included as chargeable income for Emergency Benefit.

The Emergency Benefit is not asset tested.