Exceptional circumstances

You can disregard some or all of a client's cash assets when you are looking at granting an Emergency Maintenance Allowance, only if you think that there are exceptional circumstances.

Things you need to consider:

• if you refuse to grant an Emergency Maintenance Allowance will it have a serious effect on the client's health or welfare
• if you refuse to grant an Emergency Maintenance Allowance on the grounds of hardship, to a client would the likely alternatives cost the Government more
• can the client realise (that is, sell or get access to) their cash assets for more than the appropriate cash asset limit
• is the need for assistance temporary
• what is the total amount of the client's assets, including assets that are not cash assets and
• what are the other matters that you would 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, discuss the circumstances before you make your decision with Helpline.