New to Job Seekers Allowance

Y_Me

If I first signed on on 3rd February and signed on again yesterday when can I expect to see a payment in my bank?

Nyfle

It depends. When I was on JSA, I got my first payment 3 days after my first actual signing (i.e. two weeks after the initial interview). But it seems to vary if threads here are anything to go by. Have you had a letter from your BDC (Benefit Delivery Centre) about your claim yet?

Greenqueen_2

Mine took 27 days from first interview to receiving payment.

dmna

If your claim has been processed, you may receive a payment on Monday into your bank account from your benefit claim.

ajones28

Your money normally goes in 3 working days after you sign, but with it being a new claim it may not have been processed yet. Every single Jobcentre is different on timescales. What you need to do is check your bank on Monday. If no payment is in there ring up the Benefit Delivery Centre (your local Jobcentre/ Jobcentre website will provide the number) and ask why you haven't received the payment. If you are desperate, tell them and they may beable to rush the application through to get you an emergency payout. This is a bit hit and miss though as it depends on a few things, like how far the claim has been processed, how helpful the advisor is who takes your call, how many other people have asked for an emergency payout that day and what time of day you ring (ring as early as you possible can). If not able to get an emergency payout you could call Crisis Loans (08001699891) and ask for an 'alignment to benefit' Crisis Loans. They can give you money to last you until you receive your first JSA payment. It is down to them though and they can refuse. Also as it's a loan you have to pay it back from your benefits-they will agree a set amount with you, if offering you a loan, before you agree to anything. So if you think it's too high you can refuse the loan. It wouldn't usually be that high though as they obviously need to make sure you will have enough money left over, from your benefits, to live on.

If you're really worried or really in need of money, ring the BDC tomorrow and ask them if they have processed your payment for Monday. If they haven't you could call Crisis Loans tomorrow.

Sharon87

I've received payment before I've even signed on (was a rapid reclaim though) and was a couple days payment. But as yours is 2 weeks exactly since your initial interview you get it 3 working days from signing on, providing you've given them everything you need to process your claim