Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 section 62A

Refusal or failure to attend activation meetings relating to jobseeker's benefit

Section 62A sets out the process for requiring jobseeker's benefit recipients to engage with employment support services, and the consequences of failing to do so.

• The Minister may issue a notice requiring a jobseeker's benefit recipient to attend an information meeting about employment opportunities or to undergo an assessment of their training needs.
• Failure to comply without good cause results in a reduced rate of benefit as specified in sections 65 and 65A.
• If non-compliance continues for at least 21 days at the reduced rate, a further notice may be issued, and continued failure to comply can result in complete disqualification from benefit for up to 9 weeks.
• After any disqualification period ends, the entire process may be repeated if the individual still refuses to engage with the requirements.