Exemptions from activity obligations

Exemptions from activity obligations recognise that there are a number of common reasons why it is unreasonable to expect a young person to meet their activity obligations for a specified period.

Young people getting Youth Payment can be granted a full or partial exemption from their activity obligations for the following reasons on the recommendation from their service provider or Ministry of Social Development 'in-house' service:

• Caring full-time for a partner with a health condition, injury or disability
• Court imposed conditions
• Family violence
• Recent bereavement of partner
• Recent separation from partner
• Would qualify for Jobseeker Support - health condition, injury or disability
• Would qualify for Supported Living Payment - health condition, injury or disability

The young person can be granted a temporary exemption from some or all of their activity obligations. Proof may be required before an exemption is granted.

For more information see:

• Full or partial exemptions

Each exemption has a specific duration for which it can be granted. In some cases these can be extended if appropriate.

Note the duration of an exemption for a young person with a health condition, injury or disability will be based on the next reassessment date recorded on the medical certificate by their health practitioner. 

For an overview of the exemptions see:

• Table of exemptions