Mutual obligation requirements exemptions during disasters 001-09120090

Check if the job seeker lives in a declared natural disaster area as listed on the Disaster Assist website. See Resources page for a link to the Disaster Assist website.

An official government declaration that the area has Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) activated must be made before an exemption can be granted. See Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) for more information.

Does the job seeker live in a declared natural disaster area as listed on the Disaster Assist website?

• Yes, go to Step 2
• No, go to Step 4

This exemption is available for job seekers living in and/or affected by an officially declared natural disaster area (for example, due to bushfire, flooding or cyclone).

Check if any of the following circumstances apply to the job seeker:

• has been personally impacted by the declared natural disaster event
• for principal carers - the childcare facilities are unavailable as a result of damage or unsafe conditions, including long day care and family care operations
• providing support to a relative or loved one affected by floods or severe weather
• volunteering to help with clean up recovery or emergency relief efforts in an area affected by the disaster and through an approved agency, for example, State Emergency Service
• is unable to look for work as viable options for employment have been destroyed by the disaster in the area

Do any of the above circumstances apply to the job seeker?

• Yes, go to Step 3
• No, go to Step 4

Code exemption on the Activity and Exemption Summary (AEX) screen.

Advise job seeker that exemption has been granted, and period of exemption.

Reporting requirements

Job seekers are still required to report to Services Australia.

Duration of exemption

The duration of the exemption should be determined on a case-by-case basis, but generally an initial period of four weeks should be granted. In special circumstances, an exemption can be applied for up to 13 weeks at a time.

Job seeker participation

The job seeker's participation with an Employment Services Provider will not be suspended when a DND exemption is recorded. This allows the job seeker to continue to access employment services during the exemption period.

See Exempting a job seeker from mutual obligation requirements due to special circumstances for more information.

If the job seeker does not live in a disaster declared area, or does not qualify for an exemption in a declared natural disaster area, one of the following exemptions may be appropriate:

• Major Personal Disruption (MPD) - usually two weeks exemption duration, or the duration of time required to arrange personal affairs that is, organise alternative accommodation, replace lost items, arrange repairs, insurance claims etc
• Major Personal Crisis (MPC) - between two and four weeks exemption duration

Some examples where this exemption might be appropriate include experienced loss or injury of a loved one, personal injury or trauma, or loss or damage to property.

See Exempting a job seeker from mutual obligation requirements due to special circumstances for more information.

Do either of the above exemptions apply to the job seeker?

• Yes, go to Step 5
• No, go to Step 6

Code exemption on the Activity and Exemption Summary (AEX) screen.

Advise the job seeker that exemption has been granted, and period of exemption. The duration of the exemption should be determined according to individual circumstances.

Reporting requirements

Job seekers are still required to report to Services Australia.

Procedure ends here.

Advise the job seeker of the following:

• the reason for the decision and their review and appeal rights
• for job seekers, the activities in the Job Plan that satisfy mutual obligation requirements or

Is the job seeker otherwise impacted by the disaster?

• Yes, go to Step 7
• No, procedure ends here

If the job seeker does not meet the criteria for an exemption due to a natural disaster but is impacted by the event: (For example, job seeker risks not being able to return home if they travel to their service centre for an appointment and the road/bridge is subsequently cut off.)

• Check their record for future appointments and re-schedule as required
• Record details on a DOC