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These are exemptions that may apply to most job seekers. There may be additional exemptions if you’re a principal carer.
While we assess your request for an exemption, you need to keep meeting your requirements. This includes participating in appointments with your employment services provider or us.
Crisis
If you’re finding it hard to meet your requirements, you can ask us for a temporary exemption. We may give you one if you’re experiencing a crisis such as:
- the death of an immediate family member
- family and domestic violence
- being homeless
- you’ve been affected by a disaster such as fire or flood.
You can call us on your regular payment line. You’ll need to verify your circumstances.
Experiencing domestic violence or stress because of a relationship breakdown
We’ll give you an exemption from requirements if you’re experiencing or have experienced one of the following:
- domestic violence
- extreme stress from a relationship breakdown.
You can get an exemption of up to 16 weeks at a time. It will apply if you are or have experienced domestic violence within the past 26 weeks. Even if you haven’t separated or moved out, you may still be able to get this exemption.
You can also get an exemption of up to 16 weeks at a time if either of the following apply:
- you’ve gone through a relationship breakdown
- you’re experiencing unusually high stress, health problems or family difficulty as a result.
Our social workers can let you know about additional assistance and support. They can also let you know if you might be eligible for either of these exemptions.
Caring responsibilities
If you’re finding it hard to meet your requirements, you can ask us for a temporary exemption.
You may also get a temporary exemption in other situations such as if:
- you have short term caring responsibilities
- you’re pregnant and the expected date of birth is less than 6 weeks away
- you had a baby less than 6 weeks ago.
If you need an exemption, call us on your regular payment line. You’ll need to verify your circumstances.
Sick or injured
If you’re sick or injured, you may also be temporarily exempt from your requirements. Read more about if you’re sick, injured or have a partial capacity to work.
Principal carers
In some family situations we grant principal carers exemptions from requirements.
Find out about what exemptions may apply for principal carers.
Foster and kinship carers
If you’re a foster or kinship carer, you may be temporarily exempt from your requirements.
If you’re a principal carer who is also a foster or kinship carer, find out about exemptions if you’re a principal carer and a foster or kinship carer.
Other circumstances
If you’re finding it hard to meet your requirements due to any other circumstances, you can ask us if you can get a temporary exemption.