Commencement date

To decide when the Jobseeker Support can start you must first find the entitlement date.

This is usually the date that a person no longer has a means of support.

For a list of these dates see:

• Entitlement Date

Jobseeker Support is subject to an initial stand-down period of up to a maximum of two weeks after the entitlement date.

Generally, the commencement date is:

• the day after the initial stand-down ends or
• the application date

whichever is the later.

However, if clients in the following circumstances apply within 28 days of their entitlement date the commencement date rules are different and the twenty-eight day rule can be used:

• clients who have a health condition, injury or disability
• sole parents
• clients who have lost the financial support of their partner due to death, separation, or ending of a de facto relationship, or partner going into prison

There are some situations when an initial stand-down is not imposed. When no stand-down applies, the commencement date of the benefit is:

• the entitlement date or
• the application date

whichever is the later.