No access to court services
Where a client or partner is unable to clear their warrant because of issues with access to court services, the benefit can continue to be paid until they can reasonably be expected to clear their warrant. This must be because of reasons beyond their control. Having no access to court services might include (but is not limited to) the following reasons:
- no access to a District Court due to adverse event or natural disasters
- inability to get a court staff member to clear the warrant due to resourcing issues at the Court
- the hearing centre is not set to be in the area until a later date
- the client must go before a judge and there is no opportunity until a later date
A client or partner may not always be able to provide written evidence. You need to be satisfied with the reason why the client has not been able to clear the warrant and the date they would reasonably be able to do so in order for the benefit to continue.
In these situations, the benefit may continue to be paid until:
- the new court sitting date (this will be verified by a Notice of Hearing from the Court) or
- the date the hearing centre is next in the area (check the court hearing schedules)
Clients should first be directed to clear their warrant at their local District Court or hearing centre. If a client has exhausted all their options and still has difficulty accessing court services, they can go to a police station.
For more information see:
