Recovery of payment

If a Special Needs Grant paid is recoverable, repayments must be:

• more than $4.00 a week, unless exceptional circumstances exist
• paid either by lump sum, instalments or through benefit payments
• paid by the parent if the Special Needs Grant was paid for dependent children

The rate of recovery must be negotiated with the client taking into account their circumstances.

When setting the rate of recovery, MSD needs to consider the following factors (where relevant):

• the circumstances of the client and their dependents
• the ability of the client to meet their needs and the needs of their dependents
• the amount of the debt - we want clients to pay off their debts as fast as they can, but always bear in mind the circumstances of the client and their ability to repay without placing them in undue hardship. If the debt is large and the client can afford to pay it, MSD should consider a higher repayment rate
• the effect the rate of recovery will have on the client's ability to support themselves
• whether the rate of recovery would cause undue hardship to the client or their dependents
• the effect the rate of recovery would have on the client's ability to fulfil their work and social obligations – e.g. ensuring their child is enrolled with a registered medical practitioner or nurse practitioner or be enrolled with a medical practice that is part of a Primary Health Organisation if required to do so
• the ability of the debtor to gain access to further advances and recoverable assistance

If the client does not agree with the rate of repayment MSD must record why the set rate has been decided.