16. The Minister may grant a benefit to an independent adult or a family that is not eligible under the program for any reason other than the reason set out in subparagraph 3 of the first paragraph of section 15, or not entitled to that benefit although eligible under the program, if in the Minister’s opinion, the adult or the members of the family would, without that benefit, be in circumstances that could endanger their health or safety or lead to complete destitution.