Full or partial exemptions
A client or partner may be granted a temporary exemption from meeting some or all of their work obligations or work preparation obligations.
Before MSD grants an exemption, it must check if the exemption reason is full, partial or both.
The client or partner can be granted a partial exemption from their work obligations they can still:
- plan for employment and
- undertake some work related activities
If the client or partner is not able to do either of the above they should be granted a full exemption.
A client or partner 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.
Partners with work preparation obligations
Generally, partners 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 - the equivalent of a partial exemption.
Duration
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 or partner 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 or partner due to a health condition, injury or disability is based on the next reassessment date recorded on their medical certificate by their registered medical practitioner or nurse practitioner, (or dentist or midwife where relevant).
For more information on the exemptions available to clients see:
- Table of Exemptions
- Exemptions [no link find out why] procedures
