Information for customers with a serious illness who are unable to look for work
Centrelink understands that if you have a serious illness, you may not be able to look for work for an extended period of time.
From 6 March 2010, if you have a serious illness, you may be exempt from having to look for work for up to 12 months if you provide Centrelink with a medical certificate, stating that you are unable to do any work during that time.
If you are undergoing or recovering from treatment for a serious illness, such as cancer, leukaemia, severe burns, severe physical injuries or a stroke, you may be eligible for this exemption. This exemption may apply to you if you receive Newstart Allowance, Youth Allowance, Special Benefit or Parenting Payment.
You may not qualify for Disability Support Pension (DSP) as your condition is not fully diagnosed, treated and stabilised or because you do not meet the residency requirements for DSP.
In usual circumstances, when you lodge a medical certificate because you are temporarily unable to work, Centrelink can grant an exemption from participation requirements for a maximum period of 13 weeks.
If you are undergoing or recovering from treatment for a serious illness, Centrelink may be able to grant an exemption for longer periods (of up to 12 months initially, with a possible extension of up to 6 months), without requiring you to repeatedly lodge medical certificates every 13 weeks.