Extra help
Extra help can be paid to clients for the first 13 weeks that they are in hospital or until their rate of payment is reduced.
After the client has been in hospital for 13 weeks, Extra help is no longer payable. If the client has continuing financial costs, such as accommodation, consider increasing their rate of payment to a rate higher than the hospital rate.
For more information see:
If a client is married, in a civil union or de facto relationship with no dependent children and they qualify for Accommodation Supplement or Winter Energy Payment, you can pay the full Accommodation Supplement or Winter Energy Payment to the partner not in hospital. For Accommodation Supplement, take into account income and assets of both of the couple.
Orphans Benefit or Unsupported Childs Benefit
If a client is receiving an Orphans Benefit or Unsupported Childs Benefit, continue payment if it is a short-term admission. If requested, apportion the benefit to cover the cost of alternative care or accommodation for the child.
If it appears likely that the client will be in hospital for longer than 13 weeks, check what the continuing care arrangements are for the child/children and if necessary review the client's entitlement to the benefit.
For more information see:
