What is an Employment Separation Certificate and Why Do I Need One?

If you have been terminated from your job, your main focus may be to pursue unemployment benefits as soon as possible. However, you will likely need to submit an employment separation certificate first. This article will explain what an employment separation certificate is and will outline how to get one of these certificates after you have been terminated from your employment.

What is a Separation Certificate?

An employment separation certificate is a document (a Commonwealth Government form) that provide basic details about terminated employees’ employment.

The document will set out:

• your period of employment;
• your reason for separating from the company;
• details about your average gross weekly wage; and
• information about your final gross payment.

Your employer should issue a certificate if you are seeking temporary payments from Centrelink following your termination. You can qualify for the benefits if you do not have a job currently lined up to replace the one you have lost.

This will allow the Australian government to accurately assess your claim for income support payments. In other words, it will help the government to pay you the right amount in benefits.

Your employer must complete the certificate within 14 days of receiving the request so that you can receive your benefits on time.

Does an Employer Have to Provide a Separation Certificate?

Employers must provide a separation certificate if they have terminated you from the business. If your former company refuses to provide you with a certificate, Centrelink may reject your benefit claim. Likewise, if the employer did not complete the certificate correctly, you may not receive your benefits.

In this situation, you may want to point your former employer to the Human Services Department’s service for employers. This service is available through the National Business Gateway and can assist your former employer to properly complete the form or obtain a new form, if necessary.

It is also a good idea to consult an employment lawyer for help with obtaining legal advice if you have employment law questions, such as unfair dismissal. This can assist you to avoid unnecessary obstacles and delays during this process.

What if I Cannot Get a Separation Certificate?

You should request a separation certificate from your employer if you wish to claim social security benefits from Centrelink. Your employer has 14 days to give it to you or fax it to Centrelink. If you cannot obtain a separation certificate from your employer within the 14 days, contact Centrelink.

Key Takeaways

Employment Separation Certificates are needed by Centrelink to enable a person to claim income support payments. If a former employee requests a certificate, the employer must provide it. If you have any questions about employment separation certificates, contact LegalVision’s employment lawyers on 1300 544 755 or fill out the form on this page.