Assessment of income deficiency

Assessing a client's eligibility for Special Benefit requires a picture of their financial circumstances and commitments. This tells you whether the client has a deficiency of income over expenses, and if so how large that deficiency is.

The following formula is used to assess deficiency:

The formula rate of Special Benefit is the lower of totals A or B.

For a detailed assessment see:

• Example with dependent children
• Example without dependent children

The deficiency is the weekly shortfall in the client's income. Special Benefit would not normally be granted unless:

• the deficiency of income over expenses and commitments is reasonably substantial
• the deficiency is likely to continue for a period which justifies Special Benefit being granted
• the costs taken into consideration are essential and not reasonably avoidable
• the client cannot meet the deficiency from their own or other resources
• payment is otherwise justified in relation to the clients individual circumstances

However, every case must be considered individually including consideration of the client's expenses and any other surrounding circumstances. Even when there is minimal or no deficiency of income and/or the expense is not continuing for a reasonable period; consideration must be given to whether the payment of Special Benefit may be justified in the client's particular circumstances.

For more information see:

• Assessing whether a client's individual circumstances justify payment

You must also consider the client's individual circumstances to decide whether or not the rate of assessment justifies being increased or decreased. For more information see:

• Deciding what rate to pay