Continuation of respite after the expiry of hospitalisation 009-06010030

There is the discretion to approve payment for temporary absences (respite) exceeding the 63 day limit. This should only occur when the absence is temporary and there are special or unusual circumstances. Generally this would be a situation beyond the parent's/carer's control, necessitating additional respite care. A special circumstance is determined by the APS 5/6 level officer. The APS 5/6 level officer does not have to occupy any particular position for them to have the delegation for this decision, however the delegate will usually be the supervisor of the Processing Service actioning the review.

A single parent has used 55 days of temporary absence for respite care during the year. They then unexpectedly require hospitalisation themselves, for two weeks. It would be appropriate in this case to extend the 63 day limit.

A care receiver uses overnight formal respite care on a regular basis. By September the carer has used 60 days of respite during the calendar year, and wishes to use a further 10 days. It would not be appropriate to extend the 63 day respite limit to allow them to continue to have regular days off.