28-day rule for clients with an initial stand down

When a client applies for Emergency Maintenance Allowance within 28 days of the entitlement date, the commencement date is the day after the initial stand-down ends.

This means, in some situations, MSD can commence a benefit from a date earlier than the application date.

If the application is not received within 28 days, MSD cannot backdate the commencement date.

Note the 28-day rule only applies to clients who have an initial stand down imposed.