How is the Good Cause decision made?

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Your statement, taken at the interview, and the visiting officer's report will be passed to a Jobcentre Plus decision-maker. The visiting officers report covers any facts she or he thinks are relevant and that do not appear in your answers or statement. It also includes a comment on your 'demeanour', for example, if you were upset. The decision-maker may also look at information you have given in previous claims.

The decision-maker will consider if there is evidence to show that:

there would be a risk of undue harm or distress from CSA involvement, that is, Good Cause; or
the welfare of any child could be affected, see below.

The decision is discretionary, which means there are no fixed rules about what circumstances justify Good Cause or whether the welfare of a child is affected. Jobcentre Plus do have some written guidance to help them make the decision, but they should not follow this rigidly. Each case should be considered on its own merits.

What does the 'welfare of a child' mean?
Even if the Jobcentre Plus decision-maker decides that there is not a risk of harm or undue distress to you or a child living with you, they must consider whether pursuing maintenance or reducing your benefit may affect the welfare of any child who lives with you or the NRP.

The decision-maker is unlikely to consider the welfare of a child to be affected unless there is a special factor, for example, if you or your child has an illness or disability. They will not ask you about this but will consider the information you have already provided, so it is important that you give as much information as possible on your claim form or at the good cause interview.

If you think not all of your circumstances were considered when the decision is made, tell Jobcentre Plus what these are and ask them to reconsider their decision. In practice, it can be difficult to convince Jobcentre Plus to use this discretion, in which case, contact an independent adviser to help you.

Next page: What happens if Good Cause is accepted?

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