Applying a subsequent medical expiry extension of more than 4 weeks in exceptional circumstances

There may be situations when a client is still unable to produce a current medical certificate within the period of time their medical coverage has been extended ie up to 4 weeks.

Subsequent medical expiry extensions are discretionary and should only be considered in exceptional circumstances. This means clients in situations beyond their control due to genuine unforeseen events may be granted a subsequent extension.

A subsequent extension must not be granted unless there is a good and sufficient reason due to exceptional circumstances. You must assess if a client has exceptional circumstances to determine if a subsequent extension is appropriate.

Note existing medical information can be used when extending coverage.

To determine whether a client's situation allows for a subsequent extension of up to another 4 weeks, you must consider if the client's circumstances are additional to, and significantly different from, the approved reason provided when the previous extension was initially applied. See example below:

Example

A client is unable to get an appointment with their doctor for another 3 weeks due to the unavailability of doctors. The client called to tell us they are unable to provide a medical certificate in time but have booked an appointment.

A discretionary medical expiry extension of 4 weeks was initially applied. However, a few days before their doctor’s appointment, there was a death in the family and the client was unable to attend the scheduled appointment.

When the appointment was rescheduled, the client was told that the next available appointment would be in 3 weeks. The client accepted the appointment and notified the Ministry.

In this situation a subsequent extension is appropriate. The events in this client's situation are unplanned and/or unavoidable.

The client has also demonstrated their attempts at re-arranging an appointment but is limited by the lack of appointments at their doctor's surgery.

Note a further extension of entitlement should not exceed 8 weeks in total. If the client does not provide a current medical certificate by the subsequent extension date, a discussion with them is needed to review their current circumstances and see if they qualify for Jobseeker Support on another ground or other financial assistance such as another main benefit or extra help.

When a decision is made not to apply a discretionary medical expiry extension, you must ensure you have:

• considered the client's individual situation
• considered all factors to determine there is no good and sufficient reason for not providing a current medical certificate in time and
• fully explained to the client the reasons for the Ministry's decision to not extend payment of their Jobseeker Support