Domestic Purposes Benefit - Sole Parent: Looking for Work
We know that looking for work can sometimes be difficult, so we’re here to help.
Getting back to work
Getting back into the workforce can be a big step and you will need to think about lots of different things, like how you will get to and from work and childcare. We may be able to help you with these and keep providing other costs such as accommodation as well.
If you receive the Domestic Purposes Benefit - Sole Parent and your youngest child is six or older you’ll need to:
- take reasonable steps to find part-time work, including going for interviews
- accept any offer of suitable part-time work
- work with us to help you find a job
- if required, you’ll need to do work-related training, work experience and work assessments to help you find a job
- talk to us on the progress you’re making in finding a job.
If your youngest dependent child is 18 and still at school or in an educational facility, you need to look for full-time work.
We don’t expect you to do this on your own – we’re here to help you.
We have lots of tools and resources to find a job that fits your role as a parent and you won’t be forced into a job that doesn’t suit your family. We can also help you access childcare and training if you need it.
There are extensive tools on this website to help you find a job, including job listings, sample CVs and interview tips.
Earnings
The amount you can earn before your benefit is affected is:
- up to $100 a week before your benefit is reduced by 30 cents for every dollar earned
- up to $200 a week before your benefit is reduced by 70 cents for every dollar earned.
Childcare
We have made changes to the out of school care programme (OSCAR). The changes are meant to create more places for children in after school care where it’s needed. Talk to us about what’s available in your area.
Exemptions
You may have circumstances that make it unreasonable for us to expect you to meet your work obligations. If this is the case, you may be able to get an exemption. Exemptions are temporary and the duration depends on your individual situation, such as:
- your child has special needs
- you've just separated
- you've recently suffered from domestic violence
- you're studying full time at level 4 or above or in an approved training course
- your spouse or partner has recently died
- you’re more than 27 weeks pregnant or have complications with your pregnancy
- you’re caring for an ill or disabled person full-time.
How we work with you
You’ll be contacted and asked to come in and meet with us. We’ll work with you to sort out a job search plan. This will help us identify what skills you’ve got, what you’re good at and the types of jobs that might be suitable for your circumstances.
We’ll provide the resources you need in your job search such as:
- interview skills
- an up-to-date CV and job profile
- access to computers so you can search for and apply for jobs
- a work broker who will actively look for suitable jobs for you.
If you have a recent or current CV, bring that with you so we can load it onto our system.
What if you don’t get a job?
You won’t be penalised for not getting a job if you’re really trying hard to find one.
But, if you are not making every reasonable effort to find work, you could lose 50% of your benefit. If this happens, you will continue to receive any supplementary assistance you are entitled to.
See also:
If your youngest child is under 6
You need to start thinking about how you can get back to work once your children are at school.
We’ll work with you to develop an Employment Plan that will look at your skills and see if there is any training you could do that might help you find a job when your youngest child turns six.
