Failing the 52 week reapplication process or applying as a new applicant
Some clients who were getting Jobseeker Support before 1 July 2025 and are still getting their benefit on 1 July 2025 maintain their 52 week expiry date. These clients must complete the 52 week reapplication process before their expiry date. If they complete their reapplication and are regranted Jobseeker Support they will move to the 26 week expiry and reapplication cycle.
This applies to the following clients only:
- clients who have an 'in-flight' reapplication
For more information see:
Failing to compete the 52 week reapplication process
If a client does not complete their final 52 week reapplication process before their expiry date, their Jobseeker Support will stop.
Effect on payments due to not completing 52 week reapplication process
The table below outlines how payments will be impacted if a client and/or their partner (if any) fails to complete the 52 week reapplication process.
Clients (even if they have a partner who has completed their requirements) | Partners (if any) (even if the client has completed their requirements) | ||
With work obligations | With work preparation or no work obligations | ||
Effect of not completing the reapplication | Full benefit stops | Full benefit stops | Client and partner portion of benefit stops |
Effect of not completing the Comprehensive Work Assessment | Full benefit stops | Obligations failure imposed on the partner's portion of the benefit. (unless there is a good and sufficient reason) | N/A |
Effect of not attending the reapplication appointment | Full benefit stops | Full benefit stops | N/A |
Client still needs Jobseeker Support
Clients who fail to complete their final 52 week reapplication process, but still need Jobseeker Support must be advised to apply for a benefit as a new applicant (unless the client is granted an extension). Their expired benefit must be cancelled from the expiry date before they can be granted Jobseeker Support.
The client will be subject to the usual commencement date rules, including the 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.
Expiry date
When a client is granted Jobseeker Support as a new applicant, their expiry date will be 26 weeks from the new commencement date.
Extra Help
If a client does not apply for Jobseeker Support as a new applicant, they may qualify for Extra Help assistance as a non-beneficiary (such as Accommodation Supplement). The client should be advised to apply as a non-beneficiary if they wish to test their entitlement to Extra Help assistance.
For more information see:
Legislation
- Review of entitlement and rate payable section 304 Social Security Act 2018
- General rule section 332 Social Security Act 2018
- Expiry date for jobseeker support regulation 187 Social Security Regulations 2018
- When reapplication form treated as new application form regulation 190P Social Security Regulations 2018
- Amendments related to expiry date for jobseeker support clause 23 schedule 1, Social Security Regulations 2018
- Saving of old regulation 190 for reapplications in progress clause 24 schedule 1, Social Security Regulations 2018
