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

If your employer is terminating you, you will probably want 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 your employer has terminated you from your employment.

What is a Separation Certificate?

Firstly, an employment separation certificate is a document that provides basic details about terminated employees’ employment. This is a Commonwealth Government form that your employer has to fill out.

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 after your termination. Therefore, you can qualify for the benefits if you do not have a replacement job currently lined up.

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.

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

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Does an Employer Have to Provide a Separation Certificate?

Employers must provide a separation certificate if they have terminated you from the business. Unfortunately, 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 should 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 if you have employment law questions. For example, you can ask a lawyer if you think you have a claim for unfair dismissal or unlawful termination. This can help you avoid unnecessary problems.

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. Thus, your employer has 14 days to give it to you or fax it to Centrelink. However, if you cannot obtain a separation certificate from your employer within the 14 days, contact Centrelink.

Key Takeaways

In conclusion, 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.

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