Payment of Transition from Care to Independence

Payment is based on individual needs.

The maximum amount payable is a:

• recoverable grant for accommodation up to $800.00 and
• non-recoverable grant, up to but not more than $1,200 for the following:
  • bed
  • bedding
  • essential appliances and
  • the cost of connecting telephone, electricity and gas

Payments must not be made for clothing or toiletries.

More than one payment can be made within a 52-week period, and for the period the initiative applies to the client, however, the total assistance received must not exceed $2,000.

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

A client cannot get a Transition from Care to Independence payment if their income is more than $1,010.41 gross per week (as at 1 April 2026).

This income limit applies to all Transition from Care to Independence clients regardless of their age.

For more information see:

There is a preferred supplier arrangement in place 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:

• Preferred supplier arrangements
• Preferred supplier arrangement - fridges, freezers and washing machines

There is no discretion to exceed the appropriate maximum limit for each grant ($800.00 recoverable and $1200 non-recoverable) or the $2000 total limit for grants.

When considering payments for qualifying items within the $1200 non-recoverable grant, the maximum amount payable for a particular item is considered on a case-by-case basis. The guideline limits for Advance Payment of Benefit or Special Needs Grants to specific items do not apply.

Decisions should consider the transition plan that has been prepared by the personal adviser as part of the Transition from Care to Independence initiative.