Contact made but reapplication not completed before expiry date

When a client makes contact to complete the reapplication process before their expiry date, but it cannot be completed before the expiry date through no fault of their own, an extension may be granted.

An extension may be granted for up to 10 working days starting on their expiry date, on the condition that the client completes the reapplication as soon as possible and within the extension period.

Generally, this extension can be granted when:

• a client contacts MSD for an employment engagement or for support to complete the reapplication, but there are no available appointments before their expiry date, or
• there are delays in MSD processing the reapplication, or
• a client has an employment engagement or reapplication appointment booked but the MSD service centre has closed unexpectedly, for example in an emergency.

Note if a client is granted an extension and completes the reapplication process within 10 days of the expiry date, the benefit should be regranted from the expiry date.

If a client does not complete the reapplication process within the extension period or no longer qualifies for Jobseeker Support, their benefit will be stopped from their expiry date. The amount of benefit (including any Extra Help) that was paid during the extension period must be established as a debt.

If the client does not complete their reapplication within the extension period, or were not granted an extension, they will need to apply as a new applicant if they still need Jobseeker Support. Their expired benefit must be cancelled from the expiry date before they can be granted Jobseeker Support as a new applicant.

The client will be subject to the usual commencement date rules, including the initial stand-down.

For more information see:

• Commencement date
• Initial stand-down

Note if the client advises they want to apply for Jobseeker Support as a new applicant and completes the reapplication form, MSD can use their reapplication form as their new application.