Seasonal contract and casual workers
People who undertake seasonal work and earn a higher-than-average-income for this work, may have to wait longer before being paid income support payments. This waiting period is referred to as the Seasonal Work Preclusion Period.
As many contract and casual workers have similar work patterns to seasonal workers, the Seasonal Work Preclusion Period also now applies to people who have worked in contract and casual positions and have received higher-than-average income from these jobs.
From 20 September 2006, applicants for NewStart Allowance, Partner Allowance, Carer Payment, Mature Age Allowance, Widow Allowance, Special Benefit, Disability Support Payment, Sickness Allowance, Parenting Payment, Youth Allowance and Austudy will be assessed for a seasonal Work Preclusion Period.
If you, have any questions on the changes to the Income Maintenance Period or the Seasonal Work Preclusion Period, please contact Centrelink on 13 2850 or visit the Newstart waiting periods page on the Centrelink website.