Effect on payments due to not completing the reapplication process
If a client does not complete all the required parts of the reapplication before their expiry date, Jobseeker Support cannot be regranted and their benefit will stop.
Clients with a partner
If the client has a partner included in their benefit, both the client and the partner must complete the relevant parts of the reapplication requirements before the expiry date. If they do not, both the client and the partner's portion of the benefit will stop. This applies even if one person in the couple does complete the reapplication requirements on time.
The only exception is when the client (or their partner, if any) qualifies for an extension or is not required to complete the reapplication process.
Example 1 – Client does not complete reapplication before expiry date
Ahman has been getting Jobseeker Support which commenced on 28 September 2026. Their expiry date is 29 March 2027, which is 26 weeks after their commencement date.
On 19 February 2027 they are sent the "initial notice to reapply" letter, advising what they need to do to complete the 26 week reapplication process. They forget to complete their reapplication and do not contact MSD until 14 April 2027, after their benefit stops.
Ahman does not qualify for an extension. If they still need Jobseeker Support, they will need to apply for a benefit as a new applicant.
Example 2 – Partner does not complete reapplication
Indri applies for and is granted Jobseeker Support with her partner Adina included in her benefit. Her Jobseeker Support commenced on 2 March 2026 and their expiry date is 31 August 2026. Indri and Adina both have full-time work obligations.
On 27 July 2026, Indri is sent the "initial notice to reapply" letter, advising what she and Adina need to do to complete the 26 week reapplication process.
Indri books an appointment for herself and Adina to complete all parts of the reapplication. However, Adina does not attend the appointment.
At the appointment, Indri confirms her and Adina's circumstances. MSD books Adina into a work seminar on 26 August 2027 and advises her of this, but she forgets and doesn't attend the seminar either. She does not contact MSD to complete her part of the reapplication.
Because Adina has not completed the reapplication before the expiry date, Indri's Jobseeker Support stops. Indri must apply for a benefit as a new applicant if she and Adina still need Jobseeker Support.
For more information see:
Legislation
- Expiry date, and specified benefit, defined section 331 Social Security Act 2018
- Requirements completed before expiry date regulation 190K Social Security Regulations 2018
- When reapplication form treated as new application form regulation 190P Social Security Regulations 2018
