Social Security Act 2018, s 155
People receiving Jobseeker Support (other than on the basis of sickness, injury or disability) can apply for the work-test requirements to be suspended (“deferred”) for a period if they’re temporarily injured or unwell. This means they won’t be required to be available for and looking for work during that time. A doctor will decide how long the work test will be suspended for.
Usually you can see your own doctor, but Work and Income can require you to see a different one, from a panel of doctors called “designated doctors” who assess work capacity. If you and Work and Income disagree about which designated doctor should assess you, Work and Income will decide who it will be.
If Work and Income refuse to defer the work test in your case, you can challenge this decision by applying for a review by a Medical Appeal Board, see “Challenging Work and Income decisions: Reviews and appeals” in this chapter.