In most instances the client should cover the cost of expenses incurred during a shift unless it is reasonable that the worker pays for themselves (by bringing or buying food for a routine meal, for example).
For essential items like public transport or tickets to an event (where there is no companion card or a companion card is not accepted), the cost should be covered by the client. We recommend you and the people you support discuss any potential expenses that may be incurred before the shift so arrangements and boundaries can be set.
How to have this conversation
If you’re unsure who should be paying for a meal or additional expenses on shift, you can start by asking if this cost would exist as part of a usual workday for the the support worker (eg. paying for lunch on their lunch break or the cost of traveling to work). If the expense is required as part of the support, for example, tickets to a movie or a bus fare traveling together then this should be covered by the client's companion card or by the client.