The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

3.11.5 Exemptions - overview

Introduction

Recipients of unemployment payments, such as JSP, YA (other), and in some cases PP or SpB, are generally required to demonstrate that they are looking for work and are participating in activities to assist them into employment - referred to as mutual obligation requirements (1.1.M.160). However a key principle of mutual obligation requirements is that recipients' requirements must always be achievable. It is preferable and generally possible to reduce a person's requirements, rather than exempt the person from requirements. Mutual obligation requirements are flexible and can be adjusted to reflect circumstances that impede recipients' ability to meet their requirements. However, there are circumstances, under which a full exemption from requirements is appropriate.

In the topics covered in this section, where there is reference to job seekers this includes all participation payment recipients (i.e. includes participants of employment services who are not required to look for work).

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