Dealing with Work and Income
How to apply for a benefit
The reapplication process
Social Security Act 2018, ss 304, 305, 306, 335
If you are getting Jobseeker Support, Sole Parent Support (or the Emergency Benefit equivalent), you have to reapply every 52 weeks.
If you’re getting Supported Living Payment, Work and Income will usually review it 26 weeks after your benefit started to make sure you are still eligible, but you don’t have to reapply for this. Afterwards, Work and Income will review if you are still eligible yearly.
How do I reapply?
You can reapply online using MyMSD, or you can book an appointment to fill out a paper reapplication form with a case manager.
Work and Income must give you at least 20 working days’ notice before your benefit expires. Usually, they’ll remind you online via MyMSD and send you a reminder letter four weeks before.
You’ll also have to attend a meeting with a case manager, either remotely or in person. It’s okay if this meeting can only happen after the date your benefit is due to expire – as long as you’ve contacted Work and Income to start the reapplication process before the expiry date, then your benefit payments will continue.
Will my income be reassessed?
You might also have to fill out a “Review of Annual Income”.
If your benefit was reduced for any reason over the last year, you’ll have to fill out a “Review of Annual Income” form. This makes sure Work and Income paid you the right amount over the past 52 weeks.
Will my health condition be reassessed?
If you’ve had to provide a medical certificate as part of your benefit, you will generally have to provide an updated certificate when that one expires. Your health practitioner will decide when your current certificate expires based on how long your health condition is likely to impact your ability to work.
If you’re on a Supported Living Payment based on a health condition, you’ll usually have to get a medical reassessment every two years.
If your health condition is permanent, or is unlikely to ever improve enough to allow you to work more than 15 hours per week, your health practitioner can state that on your medical certificate. If this is the case, you won’t have to be reassessed.
For example: You’re getting Jobseeker Support, but you haven’t been working due to a medical deferral. When your medical certificate expires, if your health condition hasn’t improved and is still impacting your ability to work, you’ll need to get your health practitioner to reassess you and write you a new certificate.
I’m getting the Disability Allowance. How often do I have to provide proof of my costs?
You will have to confirm your costs every year, but if your costs are lower or the same as last year, you don’t need to provide any proof.
If you have new or more costs than last year, you’ll need to get your health practitioner to confirm that the costs are due to your disability, and provide proof of the cost (such as quotes or receipts).
