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What exemptions may apply
You may find it hard to meet your requirements, in certain circumstances. If so, you can ask us for a temporary exemption. You can read more about these exemptions that may apply to most job seekers.
There are also certain exemptions that may apply only if you’re a principal carer.
Exemptions if your child is home schooled or in distance education
If your child is home schooled or in distance education, there may be exemptions that apply. Find out about exemptions if your child is home schooled or in distance education.
Caring for a child with disability or medical condition
You may be exempt from your requirements if you’re caring for a child with ongoing disability or medical condition. Find out more about caring for a child with disability or medical condition.
Large families
We may grant you an exemption from meeting your requirements if you have 4 or more dependent children. This can include dependent children aged under 19 years old who are still in secondary education.
This exemption may last for up to 12 months at a time.
Foster and kinship carers
If you’re a foster or kinship carer, you may be temporarily exempt from your requirements. Find out more about exemptions if you’re a foster or kinship carer.
Other special or family circumstances
We may allow you to have a temporary exemption if you’re having difficulty meeting your requirements for other reasons. These reasons could include any of the following, if you:
- are caring for an adult family member who is frail, aged or ill
- are caring for a child who is 6 years or older, but hasn’t started school
- have a temporary illness, disability or medical condition
- are experiencing a major personal crisis or disruption to your home such as a fire, flood or injury from car accident
- are feeling grief or undertaking more duties after the death of an immediate family member
- are undertaking approved cultural commitments, such as Sorry Business for Indigenous Australians.
If you’re experiencing any of these circumstances, call us on your regular payment line.
How to tell us if you need an exemption
If your Centrelink online account is linked to myGov, sign in now to tell us if you temporarily can’t meet your requirements.
You can also use the Express Plus Centrelink app.
If you can’t tell us using either of these, you can call us on your regular payment line.You can also call us on this line if you need help with payments and Assurance of Support. You can also ask to talk with a social worker.
If we can’t give you an exemption, we can help you find other ways to meet your requirements. We can also refer you to other services that may help.
You must tell us as soon as possible if either:
- your circumstances change
- you’re experiencing difficulties.
If you don’t, this may affect your payment.