Date job search commenced
In order to accept the date ceased work as the date of event when granting a benefit, you must be satisfied that the applicant has taken reasonable steps to find suitable employment during the period that they ceased work and made representations to apply for benefit.
Application within 26 weeks of ceasing work
When assessing the entitlement date, if a client applies for Jobseeker Support within 26 weeks of the date they ceased work you can be satisfied that the client has taken reasonable steps to obtain work from the date they ceased employment.
Application 26 weeks or more after ceasing work
Where the client makes application more than 26 weeks or it is evident at the interview that the client has not taken reasonable steps to obtain work from the date they ceased employment; verification of when they became available for work will need to be provided.
The verification required will vary from case to case and may depend on the length of time that has passed from when the applicant ceased work and when they made representation to Work and Income. Whether any doubt exists as to the extent that an applicant has been searching for employment may also be a factor in what verification is requested.
Possible verification to be requested could include but is not limited to:
- letters of decline from employers
- clippings from newspapers
- diary showing job search
Note if you are still unable to determine the date job search commenced or what verification to request contact Helpline to discuss.
For more information see:
Legislation
- Jobseeker support sections 20-24 Social Security Act 2018
