Exceptional circumstances

When deciding whether the client has exceptional circumstances, consider the following factors:

• does the client have any special or unusual costs compared to others in a similar position
• does the client have any special or unusual reasons for any costs that has caused or contributed to the need
• the age and health of the client and any dependants
• is the client the principal caregiver of a child 12 months or younger
• the client's ability to improve their financial situation
• the causes of the client's financial difficulty. In particular has the client caused or contributed to their financial difficulty because they have used their money unwisely
• the extent to which the client's basic necessities of life would be at risk if a Special Needs Grant was not granted
• is the client escaping from an unsafe environment
• any other circumstances about the client's situation you consider relevant

If exceptional circumstances exist, MSD can:

• exceed the maximum amount payable
• make more than one payment for the same or similar purpose in any 52 week period and/or
• recover the Special Needs Grant at less than $4.00 per week