Sanctions

*gem*

I was hoping to get a job which was part time so I could plan the meetings around this but yes, I can totally see your points. It would be difficult and I would be putting myself under alot of strain to keep a job in the longterm. I can't tell you how many times we've been late for school because he's refused to get on the buses because he hasn't liked the number plates.

I'm not sure how I could be sanctioned for something which the Jobcentre are not fully aware of. They know of his disability and have done since Xmas without any problems but they don't know exactly how it affects my daily life. My advisor who I see on a regular basis has never suggested I claim anything but JSA. Who should I speak to about claiming CA? My advisor is quite unapproachable.

seven-day-weekend

Does your son receive middle or high rate Disability Living Allowance Care component? If so you will be eligible for Carers' Allowance (assuming you don't have other income of over £100 a week).

http://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/help-with-money/benefits-a-tax-credits/carers-allowance/who-can-get-carers-allowance?gclid=CNrlj6D027YCFWLHtAod9j8Adg

*gem*

He doesn't receive DLA. I haven't been told I can claim it. Can I? I'm confused.

My life in a nutshell is that I am a single parent who claims HB, CTB, tax credits, child benefit and JSA. I'm trying very hard to do the best for myself and my children. I am currently on a pt college course to improve my prospects of getting a job.

seven-day-weekend

Have a look at this to see if your son might qualify for DLA:

http://www.cafamily.org.uk/media/379427/dla_factsheet.pdf

*gem*

By the looks of that information, he would qualify. Alot of it is relevant to him and his problems. I guess I deal with him on a daily basis is the extra care he receives is normal to me but much much more than what the average child would need.

Thank you for the information. Maybe this is the way forward. I wish somebody had explained this to me ages ago.

donnajunkie

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

Give me an example of an 'unfair' sanction.

recently someone got sanctioned for not turning up for an appointment they didnt know about. i also know of someone who got sanctioned for not applying for a job they werent qualified for and would not be able to get to the location for the start time. of course they have now learnt from this and spend a percentage of their time wasting employers time by applying for unsuitable jobs to avoid the same thing happening again.

iammumtoone

Hang_Tight_Harry wrote: »

I know many consider the sanctions harsh, but to be honest, unemployed people aren't asked much and if they are unable to keep track of appointments etc, then they should be sanctioned. It is the same in the workplace. Where my husband works, if you fail to turn up for work, or need time off at short notice, then it is considered to be an unauthorised absence and pay is docked accordingly. I see no difference in the two scenarios.

I *think* that claimants can apply for hardship payments when they've been sanctioned. I think its about 40% of their benefit claim.

I claim benefits and I agree with what you are saying. I forgot an appointment. There were circumstances in that it was in the school holidays and my 5 year old was being extremely difficult at the time. As a single mum it was hard for me just to concentrate on looking after him and I just forgot. Yes it was my fault I accept that and I expected to to sanctioned I did deserve it. I was expecting a week without pay I would see that as fair. However four weeks without any money was too harsh, the punishment did not fit the crime. I had been searching for work during that time and had kept my evidence to prove it. If I had a paid job would i get wrong defiantly (and rightly so) would I not get paid for 4 weeks no, it would not be allowed. I was already on anti-depressants (hence why I find things difficult to remember and can struggle to fully concentrate on more than one thing at a time) since I was treated this way I have had to have my medication doubled as I just just not get my head around how an innocent mistake could lead to this.

*gem*

I too have been forced to apply for jobs that are totally unsuitable for me. For example at a petrol station forcourt that is open 24hrs, a care assistant doing night shifts and shop work that includes late nights or weekends but I have no childcare for those times. I haven't been sanctioned for it but threatened with a sanction if I didn't apply.

donnajunkie

*gem* wrote: »

I too have been forced to apply for jobs that are totally unsuitable for me. For example at a petrol station forcourt that is open 24hrs, a care assistant doing night shifts and shop work that includes late nights or weekends but I have no childcare for those times. I haven't been sanctioned for it but threatened with a sanction if I didn't apply.

if you apply and attend any interview offered then you are covered.

~Chameleon~

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

Give me an example of an 'unfair' sanction.

I gave you an example in an earlier post of someone being sanctioned for not attending a work focused interview due to being sectioned in hospital. It was IMPOSSIBLE to attend yet the sanction remained.