Timeframe to assign and complete the Jobseeker Profile for partners

A partner has 20 working days from their date of first contact to complete their Jobseeker Profile before their benefit can be granted.

Partners who do not complete their Jobseeker Profile within 20 working days will have their application lapse.

If a client has completed their Jobseeker Profile within 20 working days but their partner has not completed theirs, MSD can only grant a benefit to the primary client. This includes any relevant supplementary assistance.

The client is entitled to half of the joint rate of entitlement to Accommodation Supplement and Temporary Additional Support. They are also entitled to the full rate of Disability Allowance for their own medical costs, as well as the full couple’s rate of Winter Energy Payment (during the period this is payable).

The partner can only be granted their half of the payments from the date they have completed their Jobseeker Profile to MSD’s satisfaction, or the date MSD decides it isn’t reasonable for them to complete it.

Partners who have a good and sufficient reason for being unable to complete their Jobseeker Profile within 20 working days may be given more time.

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

Suki and her partner James apply for a benefit on 24 June 2025 and have until 21 July to complete their applications. Suki and James both need to complete a Jobseeker Profile before their benefit can be granted.

Suki attends her appointment on 3 July with all of her information and her completed Jobseeker Profile. She advises that James is currently in hospital and may need additional time to complete his Jobseeker Profile.

Suki’s benefit is granted from her date of first contact, 24 June.  

James contacts MSD on 17 July to arrange an appointment as he is now out of the hospital. The next appointment is 23 July, which is more than 20 working days after he made his application.

When he attends his appointment, he provides all his documents, including his completed Jobseeker Profile. MSD is satisfied that there is a good reason why he was not able to complete this within the 20-working day window and grants an extension so his application is not lapsed. His benefit is granted from 24 June.