In-hand allowance
When a young partner getting Supported Living Payment is subject to youth money management, they can get an amount of up to $50 a week paid directly to them as an in-hand allowance.
After the young partner's accommodation, service costs and lawful debts are paid by redirection, the balance of payment, if any, is distributed between the young partner's payment card and the in-hand allowance. The maximum amount that can be paid direct to a young partner as an in-hand allowance is $50.
Distribution of payment after redirections
Generally, where there is more than $50 available after all of a young partner's redirections have occurred, $50 would be paid direct to the young partner and the remainder would be placed on their payment card, unless YSSU is satisfied that another distribution would be more appropriate for the young partner.
Youth Service providers are responsible for making recommendations to YSSU as to how their client's payments should be distributed between the payment card and in-hand allowance.
When making these recommendations to YSSU, providers consider what would be the most appropriate distribution for the young partner, given their individual circumstances.
YSSU then makes the decision as to how the young partner's payment will be distributed, taking into account the information supplied by the young partner's service provider.
Example
A young partner with a toddler in a boarding situation has $80 left after her board costs (which include food) and any debts have been paid.
The young partner has transport costs to get to and from school and must use public transport to drop her child off at day-care. The young person must pay for the child's nappies and formula from the supermarket herself.
After discussions with the young partner, the provider recommends paying a $40 in-hand allowance to the young partner and placing $40 on the payment card to be used to purchase nappies, wipes and formula.
YSSU decides to agree with the recommendation and decides to pay the client a $40 in-hand allowance and to put $40 on the payment card.
Altering the distribution of payment for existing clients already subject to youth money management
If, at any time, a youth service provider considers that the current distribution of an existing client's payment between the payment card and in-hand allowance is inappropriate for the client's circumstances, they can make a recommendation to YSSU that this distribution be altered.
When determining whether it is appropriate to make a recommendation that a client's payment distribution be altered, providers must take into account a range of factors.
Note a young partner cannot review the decision on how the Supported Living Payment is paid to them.
For more information see:
