Contents
Application for benefit : Contents

Extending the 20 working day period

The 20 working day period can be extended if the client has a good and sufficient reason for not being able to provide a written application form, or any supporting evidence reasonably required within 20 working days from their date of first contact.

If this occurs you should agree to an appropriate period within which they can provide the required information and record this agreement in CMS.

If the client fails to provide the required information within the extended period, their application will lapse.

There is no discretion to extend the period allowed to complete an assigned pre-benefit activity. An assigned pre-benefit activity must be undertaken within 20 working days of the date of first contact.

For more information see:

Top

The date a client first contacts us to request financial assistance is their date of first contact. A client may contact the Ministry of Social Development at any time, through various methods e.g. at reception in a service centre, via telephone through one of the contact centres, or in writing.

Clients may also apply for financial assistance online.

For more information see:

Any day of the week other than:

Legislation

"Lapse" means that the application process is not complete within 20 working days of the date of first contact. A benefit cannot be granted until a new application is completed.