Contents
Special Needs Grant : Contents

Family violence - sole parents

If the client meets all the qualifications, a Special Needs Grant may be paid to sole parents to re-establish themselves in the community immediately following separation if they:

  • are the victim of family violence and
  • are being assisted by a social service agency to relocate after initial separation and
  • have no other resources

For re-establishment grants initial separation means at the time, or immediately after the client's situation resulted in them having to re-establish themselves and their dependent children.

When there has been a delay in making an application, MSD needs to consider whether a good and sufficient reason existed for the delay. If there was a delay, MSD must also consider whether the need is immediate and essential.

Note re-establishment grants for sole parents who are the victims of family violence are not limited to one separation from the same or different partners.

In most cases, representatives from an appropriate agency will accompany the client and be able to verify their situation. When a client is unaccompanied, MSD must confirm their request for assistance through an appropriate agency. If necessary, a regional Family Violence Response co-ordinator will be able to provide an assessment of the appropriateness of an agency.

Further information about help that can be offered to victims of family violence is provided here:

Other family violence situations

A sole parent who is a victim of family violence from another family member such as a parent or sibling may also get a re-establishment grant if they meet all the qualifications and the criteria above.

Payment

Unless exceptional circumstances exist, the maximum amount payable is:

  • a recoverable grant for accommodation up to $800 and/or
  • a non-recoverable grant for beds, bedding and essential appliances, costs for connecting a telephone, electricity and gas of up to $600

When a client needs help with bond or rent in advance, consider whether the client qualifies for Housing Support Products.

Fridges, freezers and washing machines

There is a preferred supplier arrangement for fridges, fridge-freezers, freezers and washing machines (collectively known as whiteware). This means clients must purchase their whiteware from a preferred supplier.

If a client refuses to purchase from a preferred supplier, they cannot get a Special Needs Grant for these items.

For more information see:

Legislation

Top