Non-entitlement period for 13 weeks

A non-entitlement period of 13 weeks, is a period where clients are unable to get a benefit because they:

• have become voluntarily unemployed without a good and sufficient reason
• are applying for a benefit because they were dismissed by their employer for misconduct
• have failed their obligations for a third time in the last 24 months (or 12 months for young partners with youth activity obligations) of continuous benefit receipt (as a grade 3 sanction) or
• have refused an offer of suitable employment (if they have work obligations)

Before imposing a 13-week non-entitlement period, the reason why the client has left employment needs to be carefully investigated to determine whether it is appropriate to apply a 13-week non-entitlement period.

For voluntary unemployment, or dismissal for misconduct the 13-week non-entitlement period starts from the day after the date the client's employment ended.

For more information see:

• Voluntary unemployment or dismissal for misconduct

Where a client fails their obligations and has a grade 3 sanction imposed, they will have a 13-week non-entitlement period.

For imposing a grade 3 sanction the 13-week non-entitlement period starts the day after the 5 working day notice period.

For more information see:

• Grade 3 sanction or job refusal failure non-entitlement period

Also see:

• Effect of 13-week non-entitlement period - couple wishes to change primary status
• Effect of non-entitlement period on financial assistance
• Financial assistance during a non-entitlement period