Paying a higher rate
MSD may pay Emergency Benefit at a rate higher than the hospital rate if the client cannot meet their continuing costs from the hospital rate of payment and any other income they get.
MSD must consider the client's:
- financial commitments and
- access to other income
Note when considering payment at a rate higher than the hospital rate, MSD generally will not take cash assets into account as main benefits are not asset tested.
If a temporary entry class visa holder is required to make Child Support payments and does not qualify for an exemption from Inland Revenue, MSD may increase the hospital rate to include any Child Support payments that must be apportioned from the benefit.
Maximum amount payable
MSD must pay a rate higher than the hospital rate up to the maximum rate of Emergency Benefit that would otherwise be payable.
When not to pay a higher rate
A client cannot be paid a higher rate of benefit (because of hospitalisation) than they would otherwise receive. Where their usual benefit payment is less than the hospital rate, MSD must not increase their benefit to the hospital rate (or any other higher rate).
A benefit may be paid at less than the hospital rate because of:
- the client's income (if it continues while in hospital)
- maintenance deductions or
- overseas pension deductions
For more information see:
Legislation
- Factors affecting benefit: hospitalisation section 207 Social Security Act 2018
