Signing on - first interview tomorrow - any tips?

Cutzee

SaveMeDo wrote: »

You did right.

Did you ask about "contribution based JSA"?

From what you have said on the other thread, you are entitled to that.

You DO want it, it's much better for you.

https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/what-youll-get

Thank you - can you tell me why it would be much better for me to be on Contributions Based? As I am on lifelong medication following surgery, I was concerned about not being able to afford prescriptions (four meds per month) and only Income Based JSA covers help with medical costs. I don't know why - it should be for both JSAs as I will be getting the same amount of benefits no matter which JSA I get awarded?

Dogger69

Cutzee wrote: »

Thank you - can you tell me why it would be much better for me to be on Contributions Based? As I am on lifelong medication following surgery, I was concerned about not being able to afford prescriptions (four meds per month) and only Income Based JSA covers help with medical costs. I don't know why - it should be for both JSAs as I will be getting the same amount of benefits no matter which JSA I get awarded?

If you are struggling with healthcare costs, you can complete a HC1 form to apply for assistance via the Low Income Scheme.

Unless you live with a partner, IB JSA tends to be most beneficial as it is a passport benefit, meaning you will automatically receive the maximum rates of HB/ LHA, CTB etc.

AP007

Dogger69 wrote: »

If you are struggling with healthcare costs, you can complete a HC1 form to apply for assistance via the Low Income Scheme.

Unless you live with a partner, IB JSA tends to be most beneficial as it is a passport benefit, meaning you will automatically receive the maximum rates of HB/ LHA, CTB etc.

No one tells you about the HC1 form however at the JC. I left a bad tooth to fall out as couldn't get it seen to and then when could get it done as then went on Income based JSA it was too late and I have a stump lol

Cutzee

Thanks - I am single/live alone.

out_of_cash

DCFC79 wrote: »

Just wondering but why not allow them access ?

The site has been developed in a way to basically spy on job seekers job search activity.Its a basic job search functional site "sometimes" and nothing more. Very easy for the job centre staff to start sending out sanctions at an alarming and unnecessary rate IMHO .

Cutzee

AP007 wrote: »

No one tells you about the HC1 form however at the JC. I left a bad tooth to fall out as couldn't get it seen to and then when could get it done as then went on Income based JSA it was too late and I have a stump lol

I have a tooth on its last legs - currently being held together by a temporary filling!

I wonder if I can get a smile makeover with an HC1?! :rotfl:

out_of_cash

Dogger69 wrote: »

You might want to submit a new FOI request - the rules changed in March/ April.

I spoke with them last wk regarding this issue and everything is still the same. The UJM toolkit confirms this.

If you know the new regs please can you post them for all to see, as its the first ive heard of so would like to get this 100%.


A: Chapter 03 in the Universal Jobmatch Toolkit gives information about explaining the benefits to claimants of allowing DWP access to their account.

However, if the claimant subsequently decides not to, we cannot and must not mandate them to give DWP access to view their account.

AP007

Cutzee wrote: »

I have a tooth on its last legs - currently being held together by a temporary filling!

I wonder if I can get a smile makeover with an HC1?! :rotfl:

mine is just 2mm above the gum line, all black All because I couldn't get the crown fixed and was in agony

SaveMeDo

The main reason is that CB JSA is not means tested, also, you can negotiate a better JSAg, like limiting what jobs you will apply for and hours.

I also believe the it will delay being sent on the work program by at least six months.

There are other reasons but since you are single they don't affect you.

Cutzee

Well, at my last check-up I asked the dentist to remove the tooth and he said no - it was healthy enough to be saved and crowned etc. I didn't have the £200+ for it so he stuck some temporary filling on it and it's been like that ever since but bits of tooth keep cracking off it and I am just waiting for the toothache to set in at some point. It's only a matter of time...