Client in hospital

The rate is reduced to the hospital rate when the client has been in hospital for more than 13 weeks (not after receiving a benefit for 13 weeks).

If a client is married, in a civil union or de facto relationship with dependent children do not reduce their rate.

The hospital rate allows for the cost of personal items, which patients are expected to provide for themselves.

If the client has been in hospital for 13 weeks or more at the commencement date of the benefit, the rate of payment is the hospital rate.

For more information about the hospital rate for Supported Living Payment (health condition, injury or disability) see:

• Hospitalisation

The main qualification for Supported Living Payment (caring for a person) is that the client is providing full time care and attention at home. However, the benefit can continue for a maximum of 28 days while the patient is in some other person's care because the client is in hospital.

If the client is in hospital for more than 28 days, they will no longer qualify for Supported Living Payment (caring for a person). You will need to find out if the client qualifies for another benefit.

For more information about the qualifications for Supported Living Payment (caring for a person) see:

• Qualifications