Exceptional circumstances for cash assets

You can disregard some or all of a client's cash assets when you are looking at granting an Emergency Benefit on the grounds of hardship. You can only do this if you think there are exceptional circumstances.

Things you need to consider:

• if you refuse to grant an Emergency Benefit on the grounds of hardship:
  • will it have a serious effect on the client's (and any family) health or welfare?
  • would the likely alternatives cost the Government more?
• can the client realise (that is sell or get access to) their cash assets which would be over the appropriate cash asset limit?
• what is the total amount of the client's assets, including assets that are not cash assets?
• is the need for an Emergency Benefit temporary? and
• what are the other matters you consider relevant to determining whether hardship exists?

Every case has to be looked at on its own merits. If you have a case where you think you can disregard some or all of a client's cash assets, contact Helpline to discuss the circumstances before you make your decision.

Note if a person can't be included in their partners New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran's Pension, this isn't considered exceptional circumstances.