Guidelines for paying a higher rate

Payment can be increased above the hospital rate to a rate that (together with other income) will be sufficient to meet the cost of continuing commitments.

Use the following guidelines to assess whether the client's rate should be higher.

1. Have the client complete an Increased payment while you are in hospital form.

2. Accept stated expenses where they appear reasonable, but ask for proof if there is doubt.

3. A liberal attitude can be allowed for costs but purchases such as presents for the family must be met from the basic grant.

4. If the client is a sole parent and has childcare costs:

• include the childcare costs when assessing whether a higher rate should be payable
• include family tax credit and any Best Start tax credit payments as income

Note the client will need to provide details of family tax credit and Best Start tax credit.

5. If a client is married, in a civil union or de facto relationship, do not include home outgoings or accommodation expenses. These are the responsibility of the partner not in hospital. (The partner may qualify for Accommodation Supplement or Temporary Additional Support.)

6. Check that all possible action has been taken to reduce expenses. For example, giving up the lease on a flat where the hospital stay is indefinite.

7. If the increase payment request is for one-off items such as clothing, you can pay the increase by:

• a backdated review of the benefit rate
• increasing the benefit rate for a limited time or
• by a lump sum payment

Add the rate payable as a non-standard rate on the SNSRA screen.

A parent benefit reassessment SPBR may also be required.