Sole parent

A sole parent client may be able to receive a Special Needs Grant during the application process for a benefit and/or during their initial stand-down if they meet all the qualifications.

A sole parent may be able to receive this type of Special Needs Grant from the date of first contact up until either:

• the date of decline of the benefit or
• the date of grant of the benefit or
• the commencement date of the benefit or
• the date the application for benefit lapses

whichever is the later.

The client must also:

• have no cash assets, cannot obtain credit facilities and
• have taken all reasonable steps to reduce their fixed commitments

More than one payment can be made, but the maximum amount payable in any 1 week cannot be more than:

• half the maximum weekly rate of Jobseeker Support the client would have received if they were entitled to that benefit

Special Needs Grants for this purpose are recoverable.

Only when a client has received their maximum entitlement to recoverable assistance during their initial stand-down can you consider providing other assistance, either recoverable or non-recoverable. To receive other emergency grants they or a member of their immediate family must be:

• experiencing an emergency situation or
• in extreme hardship

A client is still required to meet all the qualifications for any other Special Needs Grant assistance they apply for, including non-recoverable assistance.

The exception to the restriction are grants relating to re-establishment situations (eg Steps to Freedom).