Changes To Crisis Loans from April 2011

jaibaby

A friend from many years ago had to apply for one every week because the job centre hadn't paid her. She wasn't a "scrounger", she was actively looking for work. Yet they mucked up her payments and for approx 3 months she had to get one every week. Just to get the basic essentials. In that case, I think they should be able to get as many as needed. But I do agree with the 3 a year for whatever. I never applied for one before the time of my purse getting stolen. And I wouldn't have if that didn't happen. But for them to tell me I wasn't in need for one was a joke! They need to sort the system out in more ways than one!

cit_k

I hope in line with this move they train the people on the crisis loan line a lot better, I had to put many claims (cant even remember how many but probably somewhere between 5 to 10) because even though I was 'appealing' ie waiting for leave to appeal a 1st tribunal decision, the process takes so long and during that time you are counted as not actually appealing so not eligible for payment.

It took a DM on the phone to finally tell me I should claim ESA in the meantime.

I cant be the only person appealing to a upper tribunal who will be put through the nightmare.

(I did get permission to appeal granted and the sec of state admitted mistakes were made etc but its cold comfort for the time when we were denied money and almost made homeless).

If the 3 crisis loan rule was in place then then it would probably would have resulted in my death.