Misconduct applying a 13 week non-entitlement period
Before applying a 13 week non-entitlement period for misconduct, you should contact both the partner and their employer.
Contact the employer and ask them to complete the Employment and earnings information for applications (V06) form.
If the employer does not return the form or the reason for termination is not given, no further contact with the employer should be made.
If there is conflicting evidence or the reason for leaving employment is not agreed between the partner and the employer, you should give the partner the benefit of the doubt.
Each partner's circumstances need to be carefully investigated. If you are uncertain whether a voluntary unemployment stand-down should be imposed, discuss the partner's circumstances, in the first instance, with a service centre trainer and then with Helpline (if still required).
If you decide to apply a voluntary unemployment stand-down, you will need to:
- advise the partner of your decision
- send the partner the 'Voluntary Unemployed' letter to confirm your decision. A copy of the letter is available in CMS letter templates
- the partner's commencement date letter will confirm your decision and outline their rate of payment
- add the date that a non-entitlement period will apply from and the appropriate VU reason code to the SSTDA SWIFTT screen
- conditionally grant the benefit using code 024 (VU imposed) on the SPGRT SWIFTT screen
- make notes in CMS outlining your decision
Ensure the benefit remains conditionally granted. Do not decline the benefit.
For more information see:
