Situations where extensions can be given

Generally, all clients getting Sole Parent Support need to complete the 52 week reapplication process before their expiry date.

If a client does not complete the reapplication process before their expiry date their Sole Parent Support will stop as they will no longer be entitled to get it.

There are limited situations where a client may complete the reapplication process on or after the expiry date and have their Sole Parent Support regranted, these are:

• where a client makes contact to reapply before their expiry date but the reapplication process cannot be completed before the expiry date through no fault of their own, or
• where a client has an exceptional circumstance that has affected their ability to reapply or contact MSD before their expiry date

For more information see:

If the client does not qualify for an extension but still needs Sole Parent Support, they will need to apply as a new applicant. Their expired benefit must be cancelled from their expiry date before they can be granted Sole Parent Support as a new applicant.

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 Sole Parent Support as a new applicant and completes their reapplication form, MSD must use their reapplication form as their new application.