Over three months and no benefits

lavidaloca

I won't hijack your thread Elaine but our claim is not as long as yours but was from 02.03.09 and it is only for 3 weeks as he got temp work (and that's another story) but we have had at least 6 letters about different aspects of the claim all of which have been answered but still no money yet we have had a P45 from them!

My husband is also 58, we own our own home, have worked all our lives, paid tax/nic, no kids so no help. It stinks, especially when you go to sign on and you have to push your way through gangs of youths standing around outside all with the latest designer gear and phones.

Hope you get things sorted soon.

ElaineE_2

I have sent a letter to my MP etc but thought that I'd update my information. AS we were told that the claim was now fast tracked and we would hear in one week I rang Canterbury today. The chap patiently explained that his colleagues really should not give timed responses as they could not meet these deadlines - poor chap! Seems the paperwork has gone to Folkestone to visit the 'Decision Maker' - lucky paperwork it's getting more of a holiday than I will this year!

My fears are now turning to hysteria as I see bills piling up for payment as the three months bill/living money we had is now depleted and I ahve had to cancel all direct debits etc at the bank before they bounce and cost us more money. When I rang one utility company I was asked, 'when will you get some money?' My answer, 'I wish I blooming well knew mate!'

Ho hum...

Just hope the swine flu don't hit as I can't afford an aspirin.

Spanish898

ElaineE wrote: »

What is wrong with this country when someone works hard all their life, never claims assistance, doesn't have unpteen children or expect handouts and then the one time they need help from a system they have paid into for over 40 years they are ignored and refused?

Thats why being honest, following the rules, and paying taxes doesn't get you anywhere in life or pay off. :shhh:

milkybars

ilovecheese wrote: »

when your OH applies for jobs and sends in a CV or application form he should leave his date of birth blank, so they don't know his age!

It's usually very easy to estimate someone's age if they have included their education and employment dates - which before anyone suggests leaving them off are standard, should be included and show career progression and dedication depending on the length of time spent in each job. Also even if you miss them off your cv, often they are requested in an application form.

ElaineE_2

I heard from our MP's office today, they are onto the job centre to find out whats happening. WE did have a calkl from the central office at Canterbury to say our file is back from Folkestone but still has not been processed. It seems they 'may' work on it over the weekend, there again I have to appreciate that they are busy and their hands are tied.
I said I'd put the dog on the phone so he could explain why he wasn't going to be eating for a few more weeks!

It was after that I heard from my MP's secretary so with a bit of luck they'll untie the chaps hands and put a rocket up his backside.

I should change the title of this thread now as it is 4 months hubby has been redundant and not one letter received from Job Centre. I dare not ask if this is a record as I'd hate to think anyone else has waited longer.

supertomsk

I know its not much help, but you can also apply for a crisis loan.

ElaineE_2

Just to update, we were still getting nowhere but on Friday Hubby found a job!!!
Since then we've been told we will only get £47 per week as I was working until recently (?) Also Jobcentre refused to sign the form for our mortgage poilcy last week when hubby signed on. They reckon that we now have to drop it in and collect it five days later as theya re busy - why cant they understand people like us dont have the cash to keep visiting the JC at £6 return on a bus?
I think they are doing it to be spiteful as our MP wrote to them.
Anyway, hopefully it is all behind us now but I do really want to thank everyone for their help and kind words and good luck to you all in your job hunting.
I'm hanging around incase I can help anyone.

Elaine

ThinkingOfLinking

I'm glad it's sort of getting sorted. The amount of contempt I have for the DWP and the job centre is staggering. I've worked regularly since I was 9, got made redundant and am struggling with £4 a week disposable income for food and travel due to DWP errors/lies/incompetence. I want a job so badly I've applied to work as a cleaner in the local hospital; ANYTHING to get away from the job centre.

wishface

How can you be expected to live on £4 a week?

Oldernotwiser

wishface wrote: »

How can you be expected to live on £4 a week?

£4 per week "disposable income" isn't the same thing as living on £4 per week!