Finally got job - Job grant & Housing Benefit Run-On advice appreciated

silv.surfer

Can I set out a senario on behalf of a Friend - he has been on JSA HB CT for about 4 years ( was made Redundant Oct 2007) was 50 on 2/10/10 is on WP also enrolled himself on a Temp Agency - 5 weeks before Xmas Temp. Agency sent him on Temp Job to last until Xmas and told to Sign-off. He did 2 Nights Total 16 hours ( £127 ) and the Company sent last 2 back to Agency saying too many people. I think theTemp. Agency should contact JCP to confirm it was their fault he signed -off.

Added to this is that he has a Disability in that unless things are explained Very Clearly he doesnt really understand ( doesnt connect the dots ) but hides the fact because he is ashamed, so is being taken for a ride at every turn. Especially when the interview has to be done on the phone to a distant office and The Expert talks him down when he wants to ask a question.

I have tried the Age UK as per Dom Littlewood Saints and Scroungers but the local branch here is only a Day Centre. So next I am going to try an appt at CAB for face to face. He goesnt trust any Gov/Council Offices - all have given wrong info at some time.

Now he has found a job himself 18 hours @ £6.09 p.hour total will get 1st pay after 2 weeks. Started Thurs last week but because of the 26 weeks back claiming JSA Rule he doesnt know if he will be able to get the 4 weeks run-on for HB CT and the Job Start Grant and the age 50 Extended HB CT is finishing in April so wont get the 12 months payment as others could. also the Working Tax Credit hours will go up to 26 hours in April and I dont think he will be able to increase hours yet so he is going to get clobbered at every turn.

The Signing-off and 2 nights fiasco by the Tem Agency might have scuppered his Rights to Tide people over coming off JSA etc. He doesnt know what is going to happen yet and is nearly frantic with worry.

Evil_Olive

Hi Silv.surfer,
Can't help with your problem myself, but wanted to let you know that you'll probably get more responses to your question if you start a new thread with it instead of tacking it on the end of this one.
Good luck