JSA newbie

rozmister

Hi,

I've just applied for JSA for the first time (recently graduated and in the post-graduation employment scrapheap at present).

I've got my interview tomorrow about my claim but I'm missing some things to take with me because I can't find them; my tenancy agreement, student finance papers and bank statements.

Will they refuse to pay me until I have provided these things?

Also how long does it normally take between 'signing on' and receiving money? My rents due in 2 weeks and basically I don't have it. I know that's really bad but I kept putting off signing on thinking I'd find something but I haven't

allen35

Have you applied for Housing benefit/Council tax benefit from your Local Authority, they administer help with rent.

JSA is paid in arrears, when you sign on you tend to get payment 3 days later, you don't get paid for the first 3 days of your claim, called waiting days.

If they have requested info' regarding student finance this may delay your payment.

rozmister

It said online I'd need to provide it but when I spoke to the lady on the phone I said I didn't think I had it and she said no bother just bring 2 pieces of ID that was all I needed to get to my claim started?!

They said if I applied for JSA and ticked the Housing Benefit box (which I did) my HB and CTB application would all be processed as one package?

I'm really clueless about all of this I've never applied for anything like this before so I am well out of my depth.

I know it's horrible to say as well but I feel so disappointed in myself that I have to. Not being able to find the right documents or the cable to print off my bank statements just makes me want to cry, I can't even get a benefit application right!

allen35

With your claim they will inform Local Authority of your claim for HB/CTB.

Check when you sign on, you may need to fill a form in.

You should be able to give the evidence at a later date, contact your bank and request backdated statements, i did this, only took a few days.

Unfortunately your situation is becoming the norm, keep your spirits high though, have you considered a little volunteering work to help with work experience.

Don't be disapointed, i'm sure your time will come very soon.

Check out the other boards on here regarding employment, some good ideas and good luck.

rozmister

Thanks

I've been doing pretty well on interviews but never quite making it to the jobs. They always say what a strong candidate I am but that they are picking people with a more relevant degree (so I'm Marketing but for an Advertising role they've picked someone with an Advertising degree) or someone who graduated 2 or 3 years before.

I'm trying to view this period of unemployment as a chance to develop myself and a life lesson but it's not easy.