Application form may not be required

The requirement to provide an application form may be waived if the Ministry of Social Development already holds a form relating to an application that has recently lapsed, provided the client immediately re-starts the application process.

To help decide what timeframe is acceptable to re-start the application process immediately after an application has lapsed you may consider the following:

• did the client make contact immediately (eg within 10 working days) after being notified of the application being lapsed
• if not, was there a good reason why the client did not make contact immediately
  For example was there a delay from when the letter was delivered to when the client received it.

Using a previous application form is discretionary and will depend on a case by case basis. Discuss with your manager client service delivery if you are uncertain about waiving the requirement for a client to provide a new application form.

If you are waiving the requirement for a client to provide a new application form you will need to obtain details from the client if they have had any change of circumstances since the lapsed application form was received. The client must make a written statement (eg by completing a Personal Details form), confirming whether or not they have had any change in circumstances and what these are.

If you decide the client's changes in circumstances are substantial you may require a new application form to be completed.

When a client makes contact with us to reapply after a previous application has lapsed, a new date of first contact must be noted in a new request note in CMS as the application process starts again. When the requirement to provide an application form is waived you need to date stamp the form again, on the date you interview the client when they reapply.