All appointments at local Jobs and Benefits offices have been postponed from 16 March. If you are due to sign on, you will be excused from signing. For those already receiving benefits, you will continue to receive your payments. Instead of attending the office for routine appointments, Work Coaches will communicate with you via your online journal, phone, or reschedule appointments for a later date. Nobody will be penalized for not attending the office.
Changes to Jobs and Benefits Office Appointments
Face-to-face assessments for all benefits will be suspended for a period of 3 months from 16 March. Assessments for benefits will be carried out by telephone or by considering medical evidence submitted by post. If you already have an appointment for assessment scheduled, you will be contacted to cancel your appointment.
This change is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to the implementation of social distancing measures to reduce the spread of the virus. By suspending face-to-face assessments, the Jobs and Benefits Office aims to prioritize the health and safety of both staff and clients.
During this period, assessments will be conducted remotely to ensure that individuals continue to receive the benefits they are entitled to. Instead of attending in-person appointments, individuals will have their assessments carried out over the phone. Alternatively, they can submit relevant medical evidence by post for consideration.
If you have an upcoming assessment appointment, you will be contacted to inform you of the cancellation. This is to avoid any confusion or unnecessary travel to the office. The Jobs and Benefits Office will make every effort to reschedule these appointments for a later date when it is safe to do so.
It is important to note that these changes do not impact the payment of benefits. If you are already receiving benefits, you will continue to receive your payments as usual. The suspension of face-to-face assessments is a temporary measure to adapt to the current circumstances and ensure the continuity of support for individuals.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding these changes, it is recommended to reach out to your assigned Work Coach. They will be able to provide you with further guidance and address any specific queries you may have.
By implementing these changes, the Jobs and Benefits Office aims to prioritize the well-being of its clients while also adhering to the necessary precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures are in line with the government's efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus and protect the health and safety of the community.
