Other sources of assistance

Before approving a Special Needs Grant, discuss with the client other options that they may not have considered. Some examples may include (but are not limited to):

• meeting the need from the next income payment due
• assistance from other government agencies
• arranging automatic payments
• negotiating payment of accounts by instalments
• hire purchase

A bank overdraft facility is not considered a cash asset or resource available to a client, except for couples or sole parents applying for assistance during the initial stand-down and/or application process.

For more information see:

• Assistance during an initial stand-down and/or application process

You must check to see if the client qualifies for other assistance before granting a Special Needs Grant.

Consider:

• Accommodation Supplement
• Disability Allowance
• Temporary Additional Support

For more information see:

• Advance Payment of Benefit
• Interface with advances

A Special Needs Grant can be approved to assist with items partially subsidised by Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora when the client still has to pay a shortfall. For example, spectacles, dentures, hearing aids.

Payment is only for the portion not subsidised.

Consider the balance of any Student Loan available. Consideration should be given to declining the application if this option has not been exhausted.

Note under no circumstances are students to be referred to institution hardship funds.