Taking all reasonable steps to resolve a warrant

A client's and partner's benefit and any Extra help will be suspended the day after the 10 day notice period ends if the client has not resolved the warrant.

However, you shouldn't suspend the benefit if the client or partner provides evidence that they are taking all reasonable steps to resolve their warrant but due to circumstances beyond their control, they have not been able to resolve it.

Circumstances beyond a client's control may include (but is not limited to):

• 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
• client is challenging that the Warrant to Arrest applies to them
• client is in hospital
• the court is outside of the client's town and the public transport or alternative form of transport is not available until a later date
• the client has limited funds for transport and has no other way to get to the court but has made a priority for the next pay day

If the benefit is already suspended because the 10 day notice period has lapsed, the client's benefit can be resumed from the date it was suspended if the client:

• has taken all reasonable steps to resolve the warrant
• has been unable to resolve the warrant because of reasons beyond their control and
• they can provide evidence of the reasons beyond their control

The reason the client has not been able to resolve the warrant will determine the extension that is given to the client to clear their warrant. You should not give the client any more time than is necessary in the circumstances.

For more information see:

• Client was absent from New Zealand
• No access to court services
• Other circumstances beyond a client's control
• Client has not taken all reasonable steps
• Client requires financial assistance to resolve a warrant