JSA suspended without notification

BitterAndTwisted

I began my claim for JSA towards the beginning of November and in December was offered some temporary work which could have led to either longish-term temping or temp-to-perm, so I grasped it with both hands. As it turned out the employer decided not to extend the role after three days so I worked 21 hours over three days in total. I am aware that this took me over the 16 hours limit and understood that my JSA for that fortnight would probably be withhheld and had no problem with that rule.

At my next signing appointment on 14/12/2009 I declared the three days work, confirming my net pay with my payslip and was asked to complete form B7 I think it was. I did not sign on 28/12/2009 because of the Christmas break and received my JSA into my bank account on 31/12/2009.

I have not received a penny since New Years Eve and have continued with my fortnightly signing as usual. I queried with the JobCentre person at my signing last Monday why I hadn't received any money for nearly six weeks and upon examining my records it transpired that my claim had been suspended pending receipt of form A15C. I was not informed of this at the time I completed form B7 or by any other method as I had never heard of this blessed form before. Said form A15C has now been completed together with another form (no surprise there) called a "statement" explaining that I did do some work but the work ended and I have not worked since about the 4th of December.

As can be appreciated I am now extremely short of funds. Actually, so short of funds that I do not have any whatsoever save having paid some bills from my current account which has now put me into overdraft and is worrying me no end, unsurprisingly.

My questions are:

How quickly would a reasonable person expect the forms to be examined and any payments processed?

Would it be reasonable to expect any monies due to me to be backdated?

If they do not reverse the suspension of my claim what avenues might be open to me to access any other benefits and what might be the time-limit for me to claim them?

As you can infer I have no experience or particular understanding of all of these processes as I have never been unemployed before.

Another quick question while I'm at it: I attended my 13-week interview last week and understand and appreciate that I will now have to apply for vacancies at the Minimum Wage. How can I identify those posts on the JobCentrePlus website so I can ensure that I apply for them?

elfen

I'd firstly phone your local main office (is on one of the JSA letters) and find out what is going on with the forms. They can let you know what's going on in regards to money. You may also be able to claim a crisis loan to buy food/electric etc.

I'd assume that most jobs would be at minimum wage - but looking on the JCP they will usually say "Meets Nat Min Wage". Hope that's a bit of help

BitterAndTwisted

Thank you for your help Elfen. I may not need a crisis loan today as I have sold some of my personal possessions and if I'm lucky the funds might be in my bank account by the end of the day, please God.

What are the rules about doing this do you know, do I need to declare it as "income"?

elfen

Bitter, I think as long as they are your personal items and not bought purposely to be sold on you should be OK (I.e. if you sell your DS thats YOURS, it's OK, but if you buy 10 DS's and sell them on it's not)

I'd make sure when you do phone you've got a copy of the paperwork, as we all know JCP phonelines aren't the best

BitterAndTwisted

I'm ahead of you on that one Elfen. I insisted they photocopy the documents I completed because I wouldn't trust them with anything now. Maybe I'm paranoid but it feels like any obstacle that can be put in the way of paying anyone anything can and will be used. I expect they receive commission on every pound of taxpayers' money not paid out or something.