JSA processing taking too long - almost coming up to 4 weeks

book12

It is my first time claiming JSA.

I made a claim online week commencing 24 August. A few days later, I got a phone call where they asked me for more details. The next day, I went to the Job Centre for the initial JSA interview, where an advisor asked me to check if the details submitted online and on the phone are correct. After that, I went to see another person to talk about jobs, and create a job seekers agreement. The advisor said she will send my claim to the Benefit Delivery Centre (BDC) for processing. I was then given a letter saying that it will take at least 2 weeks to process my claim at the BDC, and the contact details.

At the second sign-on this week, the sign-on staff said that my claim is still processing. I have signed on twice so far, and haven't missed any sign-on dates. My first instalment hasn't been paid into my bank account yet.

On the 9th (morning), I recieved a letter about asking more documents regarding student related things, and I've sent the documents using the pre-paid 1st class envelope provided on the same day (afternoon). Obviously, they will recieve the documents by the 10/11th. Once they recieved it, they will continue the processing of my claim.

I understand that they are busy, due to the number of people claiming. I'm sure that they have a lot of staff at the BDC to process the new JSA claims, and thought it won't take that long. I'm not going to call up, as I know it will be processed eventually, and don't want to disturb them doing the processing.

However, I'm just wondering does it really take up to a month (or maybe longer) to finishing processing the claim? I've heard that some people have their claims processed within 2 weeks.

loisa

I don't really think it hurts to make a quick enquiry about what is happening with your claim if you think it's taking too long.
I can understand not wanting to look like you are pestering them, but I sent something recently and it never arrived/went missing. I only found that out by ringing up, they would not have contacted me again otherwise. I sent it again and everything was sorted pretty quickly - that's probably the worst case scenario though, I'm not trying to worry you or anything but you shouldn't feel bad about calling them.

KazMack

Yeah it does take quite long. They should of asked for the student related form things at the first meeting where they check the form though. I got told on the phone to bring those in with me for them to photocopy.

Myself I didn't get any money til it was almost time for my third sign on.

book12

loisa wrote: »

I don't really think it hurts to make a quick enquiry about what is happening with your claim if you think it's taking too long.
I can understand not wanting to look like you are pestering them, but I sent something recently and it never arrived/went missing. I only found that out by ringing up, they would not have contacted me again otherwise. I sent it again and everything was sorted pretty quickly - that's probably the worst case scenario though, I'm not trying to worry you or anything but you shouldn't feel bad about calling them.

Thinking about it, I think I should give them a quick call (without pestering) and say that I want to know how far my claim is, so that I know if it's almost finished, half way, etc...

When I call, I hope they don't say they haven't received my extra documentation, lost in the post, etc... :eek:

Did you send the stuff using the pre-paid envelope provided, before it got lost? When you send the stuff again, is it also in a pre-paid envelope?

I assume you got your money after the third sign-on just like the poster below?

KazMack wrote: »

Yeah it does take quite long. They should of asked for the student related form things at the first meeting where they check the form though. I got told on the phone to bring those in with me for them to photocopy.

Myself I didn't get any money til it was almost time for my third sign on.

Hopefully I will get the money after my third sign-on, just like you. Fingers crossed!

loisa

I sent it in the prepaid envelope that they provided the first time. I didn't think it was that important to be honest because I was already getting paid by them at that point.

I didn't even wait for them to 'have another look and call back'
I just sent another bank statement, normal first class with an accompanying (slightly annoyed) letter marked for the urgent attention of (person who wrote to me). .

Nothing has been straightforward about my claim, even now I am getting letters every other week because something else has gone wrong. My heart sinks every time I get another brown evelope!

I hope you have more luck than me!

jessbob

You must ring them. I have found that they don't pass my claim to another dept until I actually ring to find out what is happening !!! 2 weeks ago was informed my claim was with the mortgage dept. Today, still informed was with mortgage dept. Mortgage dept said it wasnt and had been passed back to JSA dept. Rang JSA dept AGAIN. Was put on hold 20 mins (!!!!!!!!) to then be informed my claim was with the decision maker ! Asked how long this would be now, and was told it had only just been passed to that dept ! Obviously after I rang them then.

Not happy with them at all.:mad::mad:

book12

I've just called them a few minutes ago. They say it's passed onto the processing department, and shouldn't take long.

Cozworth806

4 weeks is about average at the mo and some are taking much much longer. After 3 weeks then you have the right to start hassling as that is the stated target. (12 working days from claim)

book12

It's more than 12 working days now (14 working days including today to be precise). That is why I called today to see what my claim progress is.

Hopefully, by week commencing 21 Sept or after my third sign-on (30th), my claim has been processed, then my money into my bank account in 3 working days.

book12

Just received a call today, that they are processing my application, and will have a confirmation letter this week. Looks like they are almost finishing my claim!

It took 4 weeks, and finally it will be done very soon!

Raquela

both times I signed on this year (after not having signed on since I was 18, and I'm in my thirties now), it took five weeks to get any money. And it did take me phoning to get anywhere. Luckily both times I had a little bit of savings to live off. If I lose my job again, I'll have nowt.