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Exempting job seekers from their mutual obligation requirements due to caring responsibilities 001-09120070

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This document explains the procedures to follow when exempting job seekers from their mutual obligation requirements because of short term caring responsibilities.

Job seekers with short term caring responsibilities

Job seekers may be granted a temporary exemption from their mutual obligation requirements when they have caring responsibilities that are not expected to last longer than 13 weeks.

The job seeker will need to provide evidence of these responsibilities in the form of a medical certificate or a letter from a medical practitioner confirming the caring requirements. Job seekers may be exempt from their mutual obligation requirements to undertake carer responsibilities for up to 13 weeks. The exemption may be extended for up to 13 weeks at a time.

If the caring responsibility is of a long term nature (6 months or more), consider whether the job seeker is eligible to apply for Carer Payment (CP).

Long term exemptions, including for foster carers or home schooling, may be granted. See Exempting a job seeker from mutual obligation requirements due to special circumstances.

Note: where caring responsibilities are unforeseen and unavoidable, a person who has claimed CP may be granted JobSeeker Payment (JSP) with an exemption from their mutual obligation requirements while their CP claim is being determined.

Principal carers with short term caring responsibilities

If the job seeker is a principal carer of a child who is temporarily ill or injured, see Exempting a job seeker from mutual obligation requirements due to special circumstances.

Exempting a job seeker from mutual obligation requirements due to special circumstances

Eligibility for Carer Payment (CP) when a care receiver is aged 16 years or over

Mutual obligation requirements exemptions