52 week reapplication process for clients whose benefit commenced before 1 July 2025

Some clients who were getting Jobseeker Support before 1 July 2025 and are still getting their benefit on 1 July 2025 maintain their 52 weeks expiry date. These clients (and any partner included in their Jobseeker Support) must complete the 52 week reapplication process before their benefit expiry date.

This applies to the following client only:

• clients who have an 'in-flight' 52 week reapplication on 1 July 2025.

When these clients complete the reapplication process before their final 52 week expiry date and their Jobseeker Support is regranted, they move to the 26 week expiry and reapplication cycle.

For more information see:

• Expiry date for clients whose benefit commenced before 1 July 2025

To continue getting Jobseeker Support these clients must attend a reapplication appointment and complete a Comprehensive Work Assessment.

To complete the 52 week reapplication process a client must:

• meet the qualifications for Jobseeker Support, and
• attend a reapplication appointment, and
• complete a re-application (within 52 weeks) form online, or with a case manager, and
• provide any supporting evidence required, and
• participate in and complete a Comprehensive Work Assessment for 52 week reapplication process.

For more information see:

• Overview of the 52-week reapplication process [no link find out why] Doogle
• Processing standards [no link find out why] Doogle

There are situations where a client or partner do not need to complete the reapplication process.

Note clients who maintain their 52 week expiry date and do not need to complete the reapplication process will have their expiry date cleared and will move to the 26 week expiry and reapplication cycle.

For more information see: 

• Client does not need to complete the reapplication process

Once MSD is satisfied that the client has completed the reapplication process, MSD will:

• advise the client that their Jobseeker Support will continue and
• that they have moved to the 26 week expiry and reapplication cycle and
• refer the client to suitable work or appropriate employment related activity in line with their obligations.

If a client is getting Disability Allowance this may need to be reviewed at the same time as their reapplication.

Clients will be advised if their Disability Allowance needs to be reviewed in the 'initial notice to reapply' letter.

Note this applies to the Review of Disability Allowance only, it does not apply when the disability is due for medical reassessment (unless that happens to align).

For more information see:

• Review of Disability Allowance

Clients aged 65 years or older who do not qualify for New Zealand Superannuation may get Jobseeker Support if they meet all of the qualifications.

For more information see:

• Reapplication process for clients aged 65 or older

There are no review rights in the 'notice to reapply' letter because it is a requirement for clients to complete the 52 week reapplication process if they want to continue getting Jobseeker Support.

For more information see:

• Review of decision - 26 week reapplication process
• Core policy Reviews and Appeals