JSA not paid - no warning - is this common?

Wol2

Hi

My friend has just gone to the bank as normal to draw out the JSA that should have hit the account today, in order to do the weekly shopping for the family of 6....only to find it hasn't been paid. On ringing Job Centre plus at the payments procesing centre, they have said that HMRC are checking that JSA and tax credits are all in agreement etc and that whilst this happens, they put a hold on the payment.

My friend was not told on tuesday when they signed on that this would be happening (otherwise they could have prepared for it) and it has all come as a complete shock.

The claim is not stopped, just on hold, and has now, as a result of the phone call, been cleared for payment- but the earliest they can expect a payment is next wednesday. so what are the kids meant to eat until then?

Has anyone else had this experience, is this common? or can anyone offer any advice on whether there is any emergency cash payment they could claim between now and wednesday to do the shopping?

Many thanks
Wol2

marydot

My heart goes out to your friend and his family.The only advise I can give is not much as its a friday.lets hope someone can come along and advise you better. First thing on monday morning is for your friend to ring the crisis loan and ask for a crisis loan until his benefits are sorted out.Ring them as early as 8.30am and its a free call. I know what it is like to go without and its not very nice and it heartbreaking as well.

I_luv_cats

Check to see if there is an out-of-hours service in your area.

Wol2

Thank you both for your replies. I have loaned them enough to tide them over the weekend and will have a chat with my friend tonight about what you have said.

....I think what shocked me into posting is that a benefit which has been paid routinely every fortnight to a family with young children could just be so suddenly and completely halted ........with no warning whatsoever.... simply because HMRC are doing a routine check....and I wondered if this was just a one-off or if it had occurred to others....

If this is a common occurrence I think some noise needs to be made about "the system" and I am quite prepared to do something about it!

xxx

KimYeovil

Why? If the neglectful parent has no store cupboard, no pantry, no stocks then that is their fault and their neglectful behaviour. Payments and wages are delayed every now and again. It's up to a parent to behave in a responsible and considerate fashion.

But if that is too much to ask of them then they can apply for a crisis loan.

Urgent_advice_needed

KimYeovil wrote: »

Why? If the neglectful parent has no store cupboard, no pantry, no stocks then that is their fault and their neglectful behaviour. Payments and wages are delayed every now and again. It's up to a parent to behave in a responsible and considerate fashion.

But if that is too much to ask of them then they can apply for a crisis loan.

I do think you are being a bit harsh here! Yes, in an ideal world people wouldnt run out of essentials completely before their source of income (be it wages or benefits) is available. But in real life it probably can - and benefits arent so generous that many people can build up a big storecupboard, surely?

flight1

I work in Social Work and this has been happening recently. I have encourage my client to make a complaint and the job centre are sending there complaints procedure out. The response re: should have cupboards filled with stock is not helpful at all. Most of these families are only getting by week from week and I am sure would love to try and build up there foos store cupboard but it is just not realistic.
I would encourage all to make a complaint. Imagine how you would feel if your money/wages/benefits were not in when expected.

KimYeovil

It's amazing the poor classes did not die out in the sixties and seventies. How did we survive? Must be a miracle.

nearlyrich

KimYeovil wrote: »

It's amazing the poor classes did not die out in the sixties and seventies. How did we survive? Must be a miracle.

Not everyone has the choices in life that you have obviously had. Hope you never have to worry about where the next jam butty is coming from;)

SomeBozo

KimYeovil wrote: »

It's amazing the poor classes did not die out in the sixties and seventies. How did we survive? Must be a miracle.

They all survived by not paying for things they do not need to get them from this day to the next.

Anything slightly OTT or not on the "what I need to live" list gets dropped like a hot stone.

(Like a internet subscription).

Bozo

skonz

That is way too harsh!! Obviously born with a silver spoon in her mouth! Some people are so inconsiderate!!! Don't come into these parts of the forums to start calling us scum! GO AWAY!

Anyway, I am in the same situation not receiving payment today even though I done all the requirements they forget to send my signing on evidence. I find it hard to cope as I have a 6 month old son. You can't really stock up your cupboards as the amount you receive just isn't enough to do so.