Advises more than 14 days after the event
As clients have an obligation to advise Work and Income of any changes that may affect their entitlement to Extra help, it is expected that they will do so within a reasonable period. As a guideline, a reasonable period is considered to be within 14 days.
When a client advises of a change in circumstances more than 14 days after the event you should generally reduce or stop Extra help from the actual date of the change in circumstances and establish an overpayment where appropriate.
Good and sufficient reason
Where there is a good and sufficient reason for the client not advising Work and Income of a change in circumstances within 14 days you may reduce, or stop Extra help from the first available date.
Individual circumstances
You will need to consider the individual circumstances of the client to find out why they did not advise Work and Income of a change in their circumstances within 14 days. As a guideline, good and sufficient reason may include, but is not limited to, bereavement or onset of illness.
False or misleading information
If the client gives false or misleading information you must review Extra help from the actual date of the change in circumstances and establish an overpayment where appropriate.
Legislation
- Obligation to notify MSD of change in circumstances section 43 Residential Care and Disability Support Services Act 2018
- Review of means assessment sections 47-51 Residential Care and Disability Support Services Act 2018
