Paying other assistance during a sanction

Sole parents who are sanctioned can continue to get full supplementary assistance. Sole parents can continue to get the following assistance, regardless of the grade of the sanction:

• Accommodation Supplement
• Temporary Additional Support
• Special Benefit

Winter Energy Payment can continue to be paid in situations where a portion of main benefit continues to be paid.

Sole parents have a maximum sanction of 50% of the total benefit imposed but like other supplementary assistance, will continue to get the total amount of the Winter Energy Payment, regardless of the grade of the sanction.

Clients are not entitled to the following forms of assistance when they have had a 50% benefit suspension or cancellation imposed due to an obligations failure:

• Emergency Benefit
• Accommodation Supplement
• Temporary Additional Support
• Special Benefit

Clients are not entitled to Special Needs Grants if a sanction has been imposed. This applies to both financial and non-financial sanctions.

The only exception to this is if a client has a health condition, injury or disability when a grade 3 sanction is imposed and they are incapable of participating in part-time employment or an approved activity for six weeks.

For more information see:

• Financial assistance during non-entitlement period
• Assistance when a client is sanctioned

Clients are not entitled to Emergency Housing Grants if a sanction has been imposed. This applies to both financial and non-financial sanctions.

For more information see: 

• When MSD cannot pay an Emergency Housing Grant

If a client has a 50% sanction imposed, and the client is experiencing hardship they may apply for an advance payment of benefit. A discussion must be held with the client about recomplying as the reduced rate of benefit will be contributing to their hardship.

A client can apply for an Advance Payment of Benefit if they have a non-financial sanction imposed, and may be eligible if they meet all the criteria.

Clients can get assistance to transition into employment if a sanction has been imposed and they meet the qualifications for it.

For more information see:

• Employment and work readiness Assistance to transition into employment
• Clients with dependent children - 50% protection [no link find out why]