Doesn't move within 28 calendar days

If a client has a good and sufficient reason for not moving within 28 calendar days, Relocate for Work Support is not recoverable.

MSD must consider each client's individual circumstances and be satisfied that a good and sufficient reason exists before deciding not to make Relocate for Work Support recoverable.

Examples of good and sufficient reason include, but are not limited to, when a client:

• was temporarily unwell or injured and they have a medical certificate to prove this
• delayed their relocation because their job start date was delayed by their employer
• had a death or serious illness in their immediate family
• could not realistically transport themselves on the day they intended due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g. their car broke down or flight was cancelled)
• was dependent on their Relocate for Work Support payment to move and the payment was delayed because of MSD
• has new information that indicates the job they are relocating for is no longer suitable for them
• cannot start employment or work at reduced hours because of a health condition, illness, or disability and has a medical certificate to show this

Example 1

Luke is granted Relocate for Work Support on 7 April and knows he needs to move by 4 May. However, on the day he was planning to travel (30 April) his car broke down and he couldn't use it.

Instead, Luke tries to use his Relocate for Work Support payment to book a flight to Christchurch but there are none available. Due to flight availability, he was unable to fly till 5 May.

MSD is satisfied Luke has a good and sufficient reason for being unable to move within 28 calendar days of the Relocate for Work Support being granted and does not make the payment recoverable.

Example 2

Mark is granted Relocate for Work Support for himself and his partner Wendy on 1 May and knows he needs to move by 28 May.

However, Mark finds out it's his friends 21st birthday on 30 May. Mark and Wendy decide to stay and celebrate the birthday before moving. They end up moving on 1 June.

MSD is made aware of this and makes his Relocate for Work Support grant recoverable as Mark did not have a good and sufficient reason for not moving within 28 days.