Hospitalisation
When a Sole Parent Support client is admitted to hospital, their benefit can continue at the full rate for the first 13 weeks.
The rate of payment will need to be reduced to the hospital rate after the client has been in hospital for more than 13 weeks (not after receiving a benefit for 13 weeks).
Care of the child
You will need to find out who is caring for the client's child and the length of time the client is likely to be in hospital. If requested, you can pay part of the benefit to the child's caregiver to cover the cost of alternative care or accommodation.
Where a portion of benefit amount is still being paid to the sole parent and being paid to the child’s caregiver, Winter Energy Payment can continue to be paid.
Where the child is not going to remain in the care of the client, check what the continuing care arrangements are for the child. If the child is no longer a dependent child you will need to stop the client's benefit. You will need to find out if the client qualifies for another benefit.
If there are no other continuing financial costs and it is likely that the client will remain in hospital long term, consider other means of income support for the children.
For example, the new caregiver may meet the qualifications for Orphans Benefit or Unsupported Childs Benefit, or the child may be able to be included as a dependent child if the new caregiver is receiving a main benefit.
Hospital rate
The hospital rate allows for the cost of personal items, which patients are expected to provide for themselves. The net weekly hospital rate is $58.34 (as at 1 April 2026).
You can pay an amount above the hospital rate where there are financial circumstances to warrant paying at a higher rate.
Note you cannot pay an amount less than the hospital rate.
For more information see:
Legislation
- Hospitalisation section 206 Social Security Act 2018
- Benefit of spouse or partner increased after 13th week of hospitalisation section 207 Social Security Act 2018
- Part 12 Rates of benefits payable to long-term hospital patients Schedule 4, part 12 Social Security Act 2018
