Emergency Benefit suspended before Mandatory Review date

Clients getting Emergency Benefit are always notified about their Mandatory Review, even if their Emergency Benefit is suspended, unless it is suspended due to the client being temporarily overseas or in prison.

MSD must not undertake the Mandatory Review unless the client contacts MSD to resume their Emergency Benefit.

If the client contacts MSD before their review date to resume their benefit, they may be able to get an extension if they need more time to do their Mandatory Review. MSD can resume the benefit before the Mandatory Review has been responded to.

However, if the client contacts MSD on or after the Mandatory Review date, the review must be completed before MSD can resume the benefit (if they still qualify).

Sean is single, has no dependent children, and does not meet the residency or job search requirements to qualify for Jobseeker Support. Sean is getting Emergency Benefit, which expires in 2 years. A Mandatory Review of his circumstances is scheduled for 2 August 2027, prior to the benefit's expiry.

Sean left New Zealand to go on holiday on 29 July 2027 and did not tell MSD that he was leaving. His Emergency Benefit suspended on 30 July 2027.

On 14 August 2027 Sean contacts MSD and advises that he arrived back in New Zealand on 7 August 2027.

MSD advises Sean that he will need to respond to the Mandatory Review and confirm his circumstances before MSD can resume his Emergency Benefit.

On 17 August Sean responds to his Mandatory Review and confirms that he has had no change in circumstances.

MSD determines that Sean continues to qualify for Emergency Benefit at the same rate and resumes his benefit from 7 August 2027.

MSD completes Sean's Mandatory Review on 17 August 2027 and sets the next review date for 52 weeks from the date the review was completed.

Sean's next Mandatory Review date is 15 August 2028.