Good and sufficient reason for not completing Jobseeker Profile within timeframe
A client may have a good and sufficient reason for being unable to complete their Jobseeker Profile within 20 working days. If MSD determines that they have a good and sufficient reason, a client can be given more time to complete their Jobseeker Profile.
A good and sufficient reason may include, but is not limited to:
- the client suddenly had to go to hospital
- there was a death or illness in the client’s family
- MSD required additional time to determine that the client can only be granted Emergency Benefit with conditions of grant similar to work obligations
- client had to leave the country for an emergency reason
A client should advise MSD of their circumstances as soon as reasonably possible.
MSD must use its discretion to determine how much extra time would be reasonable for the client to complete their Jobseeker Profile. This can happen before or after the 20 working day timeframe lapses, depending on when the reason occurs and when the client notifies MSD.
Example
Bill is a sole parent and applied for a benefit on 5 August 2025. He has 20 working days to complete his application and his lapse date is 1 September. He only got his permanent residency a year ago so he doesn’t meet the normal residency criteria. MSD can’t assign any pre-benefit requirement until it’s clear what Bill might qualify for.
On 18 August, 10 working days after Bill’s date of first contact, MSD assesses his application and determines that he would be eligible for Emergency Maintenance Allowance with conditions of grant that are similar to the part-time work obligations for Sole Parent Support.
Because MSD required additional time to assess his application, they provide Bill more time to complete his Jobseeker Profile before his benefit application lapses. He is given 10 extra working days, and his application will now lapse on 15 September.
