Appendix 1: Examples of client obligations

Ministry of Social Development: Using a case management approach to service delivery.

Work obligations

Full-time work obligations

Full-time work obligations apply to those on Jobseeker Support who can work more than 30 hours a week.

Partners of those on Jobseeker Support are likely to have work obligations if they are able to work and do not have dependent children aged under 14 years.

Part-time work obligations

Part-time generally means work of at least 15 hours a week.

Part-time work obligations usually apply to:

  • sole parents or caregivers with school-aged children between 5 and 13 years old and who get Sole Parent Support;
  • people who get Jobseeker Support who can usually work full time but need to work fewer hours because of a temporary health condition, injury, or disability; or
  • partners of those on Jobseeker Support with school-aged children between 5 and 13 years old.

Part-time work obligations may apply as a condition of getting Emergency Maintenance Allowance.

Work preparation obligations

Some people do not need to look for a job, but they do need to prepare to find work. People are likely to have work preparation obligations if they are:

  • a sole parent and caregiver with dependent children under five years of age and claiming Sole Parent Support;
  • getting Jobseeker Support and can usually work full time but cannot currently work because of a temporary health condition, injury, or disability; or
  • partners of those on Jobseeker Support with a dependent child under five years of age.

Work and Income may request some people on Supported Living Payment who have a health condition, injury, or disability to take part in an assessment to see whether they can prepare for work.

Further information on other obligations is provided on the Work and Income website.

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