Exemptions
There are several reasons why it may be unreasonable to expect a client to meet their work preparation obligations or work obligations for a specified period.
If a client qualifies they may be granted an exemption from some or all of their work preparation or work obligations. Evidence may be required before an exemption is granted.
Duration of the exemption
Each exemption has a specific period it can be granted for. In some cases, the exemption can be extended (if appropriate).
The exemption should be reviewed at the end of the exemption period. At the review MSD should discuss the client's circumstances and consider whether it is appropriate to extend the exemption again. MSD can ask the client to provide evidence of the reason to extend the exemption (if appropriate).
Note the duration of an exemption for a client with a health condition, injury or disability is based on the next reassessment date recorded by their registered medical practitioner or nurse practitioner (or dentist or midwife where relevant).
For more information see:
Legislation
- Sole parent support: obligations on beneficiaries section 121, section 128 and section 140 Social Security Act 2018
- Work test obligations section 144, section 146 and section 147 Social Security Act 2018
- Exemptions: work-preparation, work-test, and other obligations sections 157-161 Social Security Act 2018
- Exemptions from work-preparation or work-test obligations regulations 100-104 Social Security Regulations 2018
