Work ability assessment obligation
A client and their partner (if any) getting Emergency Benefit have a work ability assessment obligation that requires them, when asked, to attend and participate in:
- Self-Assessments
- Structured Interview
- Work Ability Assessments
Reason for work ability assessment
A work ability assessment will help show what work a person is capable of doing and what Work and Income can do to help a client with their return to work.
A work ability assessment will help determine:
- the client's work ability
- what suitable work or work preparation activities are appropriate for the client
- what assistance, services or support Work and Income and/or other agencies should be providing
As a result of a work ability assessment a client's work obligations or benefit entitlement may change.
Clients required to participate in a work ability assessment
Generally only clients who have a health condition, injury or disability will be required to undertake or participate in a work ability assessment.
Failing to comply
If a client does not meet these obligations, without a good and sufficient reason, an obligations failure will be initiated and a sanction may be imposed.
For more information see:
- Good and sufficient reason for not meeting work ability assessment obligation
- Information from a Self-Assessment
- Self-Assessment [no link find out why]
- Work Ability Assessment [no link find out why]
- Structured Interview [no link find out why]
Legislation
- Specific obligations: work ability assessment part 3, subpart 3 section 115-117 Social Security Act 2018
- Work ability assessment section 118 Social Security Act 2018
- MSD must make people affected aware of their obligations, consequences of non-compliance, and their review and appeal rights section 106 Social Security Act 2018
