Back dated JSA Claims - need advice

Stephstaz

Trying to get through to Job Seeker's Allowance is like getting blood out of a stone!
I signed on as I lost my job. However, I found another one before my inital interview and am entitled to a week's money but they really aren't in a hurry to give it me, which is annoying!
Any ideas how I can speed the claim up?

I appreciate any advice!

WPN

I hope someone can help - this isn't helpful... but there is little you can do. Keep ringing 0845 numbers will just cost you money. As you haven't signed for the money (be it an ES40 signing on book which you werent issued with or signing on) the money will not be released. You could try going to the local Jobcentre to enquire about it (best not to make it a dedicated trip) but there probably is a rule where they wont pay out for it. There might be a form, or policy allowing you to sign for that week... but I am not aware of it.

MCGONIS

Stephstaz wrote: »

Trying to get through to Job Seeker's Allowance is like getting blood out of a stone!
I signed on as I lost my job. However, I found another one before my inital interview and am entitled to a week's money but they really aren't in a hurry to give it me, which is annoying!
Any ideas how I can speed the claim up?

I appreciate any advice!

Hi. as you will probably know, for any period you are out of work, you can claim. If you started employment before the Jobcentre intervirew took place, you can still claim for the period in-between.

They will still deal with the claim, but unfortunately, you do not get priority over anyone else. The claim is dealt with in the order they are received.

Not sure if this is useful or significant, but you will not get paid for the first 3 days of a claim. The "waiting days" as they are known don't always apply to every claim but it's something to remember. It's not fair that you have to call an 0845 number to even ask anything in the first place. I bet the DWP make some sort of money from this number.

Even if they don't. Why should people call a number that they have to pay for and not even get an answer?

Good luck though.

WPN

DWP indeed makes money from the 0845 numbers - Jobcentres have slowly been converting local jobcentre numbers to 0845 too. I don't think for a second its significantly about taking back money from claimants via the call costs, however, its more of a deterrent to prevent people getting almost unlimited access to ensure their claims are in good order - and to sort out JCP mistakes. People used to be able to see an adviser, now they are forced to contact the 0845 number. In some cases you might be able to call your local Jobcentre but like I said these are becoming 0845 too. Appointments generally speaking are made via a previous one or over the telephone - rarely in person after walking in.

There is rumour that Jobcentre Plus will become more telephone based in the future - although there are also plans to get welfare-to-work providers etc. to run Jobcentre Plus. I can agree its no fun to keep calling 0845 numbers at your own expense trying to sort out their mistakes. Its terrible when they hang up on you and have to go through the queue all again. Most people forget thats its not just the call costs per minute but also the connection charge per call.

ryouga

WPN wrote: »

There is rumour that Jobcentre Plus will become more telephone based in the future - although there are also plans to get welfare-to-work providers etc. to run Jobcentre Plus.

Interesting this part as about 2 months ago I was passed onto an employment agency for first time ever(despite having many unemployed periods since I left home 11 years ago) who basically seem like glorified new deal advisors.

I.e I go in, they ask me how my job search has gone, then send me away after a few minutes with zero help.

And instead of having an advisor discresionary fund I now have to get Asda vouchers for clothes or a stramped Stagecoach bus form which I hand to driver so I never get any actual help.

dugdale_2

Quote
DWP indeed makes money from the 0845 numbers

Please inform us how DWP make money from 0845 numbers, do they get a percentage of each call ? Do they get paid for having an 0845 number? Do they play adverts when you phone them up?