Applying for hardship assistance with money on payment card

A young person applying for hardship assistance generally won't qualify if they can meet their need from their own resources. This includes any money still on their youth payment card when they are no longer required to have their money managed.

If the young person has money on their card that will fully or partially cover the cost of the goods or services they are applying for, they need to apply for their remaining money.

This money could help them to meet or partially meet their needs.

It may be appropriate to decline an application for hardship assistance if a person refuses to apply for funds available on their youth payment card that will enable them to meet or partially meet their own need.