Special rates - residential parole

It is important that the partner in the community does not suffer a reduction in income support payments as a result of the client's release to residential parole. When assessing the rate of payment for the client, the benefit is not split in half.

If the client's partner is receiving Sole Parent Support, the partner will continue to receive it at the sole parent rate of benefit.

The rate payable to the client will be the difference between:

• the full married, civil union or de facto rate of benefit and
• the full rate of Sole Parent Support paid to the partner in the community

Where the partner in the community receives a benefit other than Sole Parent Support, the partner can be included in the Emergency Benefit. The partner will continue to receive the same rate of benefit, sole parent rate of benefit or single rate if they do not have dependent children.

The rate of payment to the client will be the difference between:

• the married, civil union or de facto rate of benefit and
• the single/sole parent rate that the partner is receiving

For more information about including a client in their partner's benefit see:

• SWIFTT process - residential parole

Before working out the rate that can be paid to each partner, Extra help will need to be reviewed to reflect the new relationship status.

When the partner in the community has dependent children, family tax credit payments will need to be made to the primary record.

For a brief overview of what amount of benefit that can be paid in these situations see:

• Summary of rates