Full or partial exemptions

A client may be granted a temporary exemption from meeting some or all of their work preparation obligations or work obligations.

Before MSD grants an exemption, they must check if the exemption reason is full, partial or both.

The client can be granted a partial exemption from their work obligations if they can still:

• plan for employment and
• undertake some work related activities

If the client is not able to do either of the above they should be granted a full exemption.

A client who has a full exemption from their work obligations may still be required to attend an interview with MSD to discuss their circumstances and when it might be appropriate for them to start planning towards a return to work.

Generally, clients with work preparation obligations can only be considered for a full exemption.

Work preparation obligations mean they are required to plan for employment and undertake work preparation activities.

Each exemption has a maximum duration. The period the exemption is granted for depends on the client's circumstances.

At the time of granting the exemption MSD should:

• advise the client of the temporary nature of the exemption
• schedule a date to review the exemption if appropriate

At the review MSD should consider the client's circumstances and whether it is appropriate to extend the exemption. MSD can ask the client to provide evidence of the reason to extend their exemption.

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 [MW1] nurse practitioner, (or [MW2] dentist [MW3] or midwife[MW4]  where relevant).