Carer responsibilities

This refers to when you can’t complete your assessment because you’re dealing with the illness of a family member (including your child) or other person you care for.

If you’re a carer registered with Monash University Disability Support Services (DSS), you’ll only need to provide supporting documents if you’re applying for:

• Extension requests
  • You request an extension because flexible deadlines were not previously approved as part of your DSS recommended adjustments.
  • You request an extension beyond five calendar days from the original due date of the assessment (applicable when five calendar days were already granted as part of their flexible assessment deadlines).
• Deferred final assessment requests
  • You apply for a deferred final assessment (only applicable to Monash English and Diploma programs).
  • If you’re a carer not registered with DSS, you need to provide a medical certificate. But if you couldn’t get this certificate when the person you care for was unwell, you can instead request a medical letter of support. Or you may provide a practitioner certificate.

Acceptable supporting evidence:

• A medical certificate (preferred document)
  • A medical certificate must state that the person you care for was unwell on or before the date you were meant to complete your assessment, and how long they required your care. The certificate must name you as the carer.

If unable to obtain a medical certificate, other acceptable evidence as outlined below:

• A medical letter of of support
  • The letter must state that the person you care for was unwell on or before the date you were meant to complete your assessment, and how long they required your care. The doctor writing this letter must have knowledge of their medical history and/or condition. Additionally, they must explain how they concluded that the condition affected this person when they had no consultation with them at that time.
  • The letter must be printed on the medical centre/doctor’s letterhead and name you as the carer. It must be signed and dated.
• A practitioner certificate
  • You can provide a certificate from a practitioner (e.g. social worker or physiotherapist) registered with a relevant professional body. The certificate must state that the person you care for was unwell on or before the date you were meant to complete your assessment, and for how long. The certificate must name you as the carer.
  • The practitioner provides the certificate right after a consultation. The certificate must be signed and dated. If the certificate has been backdated, the doctor must explain why, and give the reason they believe the person you care for was unwell at that time.
  • The certificate must be printed on the medical centre/practitioner’s letterhead.