Full or partial exemptions

A partner may be granted a temporary exemption from meeting some or all of their work preparation obligations or work obligations.

Before MSD grants an exemption, they must check if the exemption reason is full, partial or both.

The partner can be granted a partial exemption from their work obligations if they can still:

• plan for employment and
• undertake some work related activities

If the partner is not able to do either of the above they should be granted a full exemption.

A partner who has a full exemption from their work obligations may still be required to attend an interview with MSD to discuss their circumstances, and when it might be appropriate for them to start to plan towards a return to work.

Partners with work preparation obligations can only be considered for a full exemption.

Work preparation obligations mean they are required to plan for employment and undertake work preparation activities.

Each exemption has a maximum duration. The period an exemption is granted for depends on the partner's circumstances.

At the time of granting the exemption MSD should:

• advise the partner of the temporary nature of their exemption and
• a date to review the exemption if appropriate

At the review MSD should consider the partner's circumstances and whether it is appropriate to extend the exemption. MSD can ask the partner to provide evidence that their exemption should be extended.

Note the duration of an exemption for partners because of a health condition, injury or disability is based on the next reassessment date recorded on their medical evidence.