Changes in circumstances and the effect on participation for the principal carer of a dependent child 102-17010050

The principal carer of a dependent child who is not subject to compulsory mutual obligation requirements, and has negotiated voluntary activities in a Job Plan may negotiate changes to these activities at any time. Participation goals will be discussed and new activities, referral options or additional support will be provided to ensure the job seeker receives the assistance they require, based on their individual and family circumstances, to achieve their preferred participation outcomes.

See Eligibility to access employment assistance through Workforce Australia for information on referrals to Workforce Australia.

A Centrelink managed principal carer job seeker who is subject to mutual obligation requirements may negotiate changes in their Job Plan when required, however, any new activities must be appropriate and the Job Plan must satisfy the minimum compulsory mutual obligation requirements. Any previous provider negotiated activities and, expired and inappropriate activities, should be removed from the Job Plan.

If a principal carer is not undertaking activities that are fully meeting their mutual obligation requirements, and they do not have an exemption from their requirements, they must be referred to an Employment Services Provider who will negotiate a Job Plan and monitor compliance with compulsory requirements.

Where a job seeker discloses circumstances that may impact compliance, Service Officers update the Circumstances Impacting Compliance workflow and reinforce the job seeker's personal responsibility for discussing any factors that impact their capacity with their provider.

A job seeker who is the principal carer of a dependent child may contact Services Australia to advise a change in their circumstances that may impact on their ability to meet their mutual obligation requirements.

The following changes can affect the job seeker's mutual obligation requirements:

• A child leaving the job seeker's care. If the job seeker's child/ren under six leaves their care, participation may become compulsory rather than voluntary
• A child entering the job seeker's care. If the job seeker gives birth or adopts a young child, participation is no longer compulsory if they have a dependent child under six in their care
• Other changes which may qualify the job seeker for a temporary exemption from their compulsory mutual obligation requirements
• Cancellation of payment or transfer to another income support payment. The job seeker may need to meet different requirements for the payment they are transferring to