Partner does not complete assigned pre-benefit activity
If there are no good and sufficient reasons for not completing an assigned pre-benefit activity, the 20 working day period cannot be extended to allow the partner more time to complete it. However, there may be situations where it is no longer reasonable for the client to complete the assigned activity.
MSD should encourage the partner to complete their assigned pre-benefit activity as soon as possible and remind them of the consequences of not completing the pre-benefit activity.
If a partner has not completed their assigned pre-benefit activity, MSD should continue processing the application for benefit for the client.
For more information see:
Partner completes pre-benefit activity after grant
If the partner completes the pre-benefit activity within 20 working days of the primary client's date of first contact, and they meet the qualifications for the benefit, they can be included in the benefit from the date of grant. This can be back-dated.
Partner can be included after 20 working days from date of first contact
After 20 working days from the primary client's date of first contact, the partner does not have to complete their pre-benefit activity because the period for completing a pre-benefit activity has ended.
After the 20 working days have passed, the partner can be included in the benefit (if they meet the qualifications) from the date they made contact to be included. The inclusion of the partner cannot be back-dated to the start date of the benefit.
A client may have a change of circumstances before their benefit is granted, and they may qualify for a benefit that does not have pre-benefit requirements.
For more information see:
Legislation
- Regulations may prescribe pre-benefit activities section 184 Social Security Act 2018
- pre-benefit activity (definition) schedule 2 Social Security Act 2018
- Non-compliance by applicant’s spouse or partner regulation 112 Social Security Regulations 2018
