33Advances

##### 33 Advances (1) Where: (a) the Secretary is satisfied that: (i) the amount of the prescribed earnings of a sole applicant or of joint applicants has not been ascertained in accordance with Division 2 of Part III at the time of the making of the application and cannot be so ascertained within a reasonable period after that time; and (ii) the applicant has, or applicants have, taken all reasonable steps to supply the information necessary to ascertain that amount; and (b) the Secretary estimates, from such information in his or her possession as he or she considers sufficient, that an amount of assistance will be payable to the applicant or applicants; he or she may make an advance on account of the assistance of an amount not exceeding the amount so estimated. (2) Part IV and this Part (except section 37) apply in relation to an advance in like manner as they apply in relation to assistance.