hardship (one-off assistance) evidence

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In some situations, we need evidence of a cost (eg a quote) from a young person or supplier. This is because we require it by law or when we need to be satisfied that a cost is reasonable.

when evidence is not required

If evidence is not required by law and the cost is reasonable you can determine the cost based on your conversation with the young person.

Some things to consider when determining if a cost is reasonable: 

  • Is the cost within guidelines limits?
  • Is the cost realistic based on the young person's need?
  • Is the cost reasonably consistent with previous payments made to the same young person for the same or similar hardship (eg previous water tank refills)?

Ways to get evidence of costs:

  • Checking retailers websites
  • Verbal confirmation of costs from a supplier
  • Emailed evidence from a supplier.

hardship categories where evidence is required

There are some specific instances where, under legislation or policy, young people need to provide evidence to support their application. 

Cost Description
Dental Treatment

A dentist or health agency must complete the 'Dental Treatment Information' form for the young people confirming the treatment is immediate and essential, the breakdown of the costs and the dentist’s/health agency details. 

You can approve the assistance without seeing this form but only if the young person has a good and sufficient reason for not providing it to us (eg they are already at the dentist getting the treatment, or they are not with the youth coach for the appointment). You must verbally confirm the information from the 'Dental Treatment Information' form and record it into the hardship task in ART.
Laser Therapy (birth mark removal)

A young person requires assistance to remove a birthmark by laser therapy.

Required evidence

Evidence from a registered health practitioner that the young person has a birth mark that is disfiguring and visible in normal clothing.
Wigs/Hairpieces

Assistance towards the cost of a wig or hairpiece can be provided to young people that suffer from a medical condition or are undergoing medical treatment which makes it desirable for the young person to wear a wig or hairpiece on cosmetic grounds.

Required evidence

Evidence of how much the DHB has provided towards purchasing a wig or hairpiece.
Health travel costs/Accompanying medical treatment overseas

Travel costs can be paid to young people that have been referred for medical treatment by a medical practitioner and the cost is not already being paid for by another agency or programme.

Required evidence

Evidence that the travel has been approved/subsided by the DHB including the amount they will cover.
Glasses for high clinical needs

Some young people have high clinical needs which means the glasses they require cannot be provided at the standard contract price under the preferred supplier arrangement.

Required evidence

Evidence showing the total cost so that the shortfall can be calculated.
Essential Home repairs

Available for home owners that need assistance to carry out essential repairs and maintenance.

Required evidence
  • Ownership and occupation of the property (if we do not already have this on their ART profile)
  • Confirmation that the work is essential
  • Proof they have unsuccessfully applied for financial assistance from any other agency.
Fire loss and burglary

Assistance with the cost of replacing essential items lost through fire or burglary, particularly where the young person is not insured.

Required evidence

A police or fire report.
Car repairs

Assistance with repairs to a vehicle where the use of a car is essential for the young person or their dependent partner and children. The car should be considered essential due to illness, disability, employment or lack of access to public transport.

Required evidence

Proof of vehicle ownership If the young person gives you permission, you can check if they own the vehicle on the NZTA website. You will need the young person's licence plate and/or driver licence number 
HSP Rent arrears

All applications for HSP Rent Arrears should be considered as a last option after considering other hardship programmes. 

Required evidence

Unless already held on file the young person will need to provide: 

  • Income and assets 
  • Rent arrears, and
  • A tenancy agreement or tenancy order showing they are a signatory. 

 

ways we can accept evidence

Phone

  • Young person can confirm their costs verbally
  • Direct contact with the specialist/supplier (with the young person's permission).

Digital

  • Email – you must copy the full email including the sender, receiver, date and time details onto the young persons ART profile.
  • Previous confirmation of a cost already held on the young persons ART profile
  • Checking a website to confirm a cost.

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