Jobcentre asked me how much exact cash i had in my wallet

theazz

I just got off the phone after a long demoralising conversation in which i applied for JSA as a teacher without a job this summer. They wanted to know, to the penny, all the money in all my account and the accounts of my partner as well as wanting to know exactly how much cash i had in my wallet, and my partners.

Surely this is illegal? I understand they need to know i don't have £16,000 of saving but insisting they know that i have only £2.40 in my bank account? Is that necessary?

its enough they made me feel like such a criminal

Anyone else had this?

dookar

How is it illegal?

Shiloe

How much in total do you and your partner have ? That may give an insight into why they wanted an exact figure ... but its hardly illegal to be honest

theazz

sorry i exagerated out of anger, yes it's not illegal as much but it seems a bit extreme. i've been through the beenfits and student loan system and been asked about monies but never the exact penny in my wallet. i guess this is normal then? between me and my partner we have under 3K

Shiloe

Its normal yes however as you and your partner have under 3K you wont be asked for verification as your under the limit

kingfisherblue

I had to do a rapid reclaim for income support recently, as it had been stopped in error. I was asked how much I had in my current account and savings account. Admittedly, I wasn't asked how much I had in my purse, but it wouldn't have taken me over the £6000 allowed

TBH, if I am claiming state benefits, then I feel that the DWP can and should be able to ask how much I have, as it is the state that provides it. It's not really a big issue and I can't understand why the OP is so angry.

theazz

ok, obv im just a bit closed minded, thanks for the info guys

skater_kat

Shiloe wrote: »

Its normal yes however as you and your partner have under 3K you wont be asked for verification as your under the limit

they can ask for verification at any time for however much money you have regardless of if it is under the threshold.

by making a claim and sending it off to DWP, people are effectively agreeing to such scrutiny of their circumstances.

Whiteknight

Unfortunately some people when asked about savings literally only count savings and "forget" about money in current accounts or stashed at home. It is easier for the the DWP to ask these questions so that no confusion can be claimed later if extra money or accounts are discovered.

totallybroke_2

ellenette wrote: »

In the past I have known people actually have £1,000's in their wallet. Back in the late 80's, my husband almost always generally had about £1000 in his.

On top of that he was always paid in cash for his wages every Friday in the early 90's - It was £1300 a week.

He never had a bank account until two years ago and has never had a credit card in his life.

They have the right to ask.

wow that mustve been a big wallet

pcombo

I woulda just told them i had £0.00 in my wallet