Emergency and essential needs not in client's name

Emergency and/or essential items may be considered for a Special Needs Grant but generally these are only considered if the cost is in the client's or their family's (if any) name.

Where an emergency and/or essential item is not in their name they are not liable for the payment and a Special Needs Grant generally is not considered.

There may be situations where a client or their partner (if any) have entered an informal arrangement with another person to pay for an emergency and/or essential item using the other person's name and/or credit rating for the contract.

You need to be satisfied that the client or their partner is the person making the payment(s) and that it was the intention of the parties to the informal arrangement that they would have responsibility for the payment(s) and the use and control of the emergency and/or essential item.

A full statement from the client or partner and the other person named in the contract is required along with a copy of the agreement to determine if the cost can be considered for a Special Needs Grant.

Note in these situations the client is not able to meet the cost of the item from their own resources and the need must be an emergency and/or essential.