JSA Sanction because i attended interview

Bumsnogger

Hi all

I am claiming JSA and i attended an interview one day meaning i'd be late for an appointment i had been set up with Triage the same day. I turned up to Triage and informed them of where i'd been ... id actually got the times mixed up on the day thinking it was in the afternoon after my interview as i'd had such a busy week of interviews. Anyway the woman at reception told me i cant be seen now and they've sent me another appointment out in the post and it wont affect my benefit.

A few weeks later i was told my benefit has been cancelled and put on a four week sanction. I in turn had to appeal because it was an honest mistake and ive been trying really hard with so many interviews, and on this one time i messed up but still turned up to Triage on the day i was meant to be there only to be turned away. I guess i was naive in thinking they'd still see me if i had an interview but the interview was short notice and i didn't want to miss it.

Anyway, after much appeal, they have awarded me "reduced rate jobseekers allowance" at a deduction of 20% weekly. Will this get paid after my next signing date does anyone know when it normally gets paid after i sign?? Has anyone else had this experience?? They said they will pay me JSA at a reduced rate of 20% weekly from the 3rd of this month (July) until the 30th. I have to sign Tuesday so will i get that paid on my normal day and the arrears going back to the 3rd??

They have made it a bit complicated for me and not explained anything at all. I just got a letter from my local jobcentre and some woman ticked a box saying what i am going to get from what date with no other information.

I have had to go ages without any money and in all sorts of debt already that's ran even further now. I cant even afford to attend interviews or doctors appointments at the moment. I hope i get paid this week but i feel i won't for some reason ... can anyone shed any light??

anonymousx3

They are right to sanction you. You broke your side of the JSA agreement, so you should rightfully be punished. Let this be a lesson and in future be sure prioritize WORK first over your leisure time.

Bumsnogger

I admit i made that mistake myself but i was doing things in a hurry as i got a call to go in for an NHS interview via agency around nine in the morning, i should have rang them but i didn't. I just headed straight to the interview then to Triage. Anyway that doesn't matter now, i asked if anyone is receiving reduced rate JSA and how it's paid??

Jamie_Carter

Bumsnogger wrote: »

I admit i made that mistake myself but i was doing things in a hurry as i got a call to go in for an NHS interview via agency around nine in the morning, i should have rang them but i didn't. I just headed straight to the interview then to Triage. Anyway that doesn't matter now, i asked if anyone is receiving reduced rate JSA and how it's paid??

I don't know as I've never been on JSA. But as a guess I should think it is paid the same way you normally receive your JSA.

danmanchester

I would still appeal at the jobcentre. There is no way you should be sanctioned for going to an interview for a job and missing a (work programme?) Triage appointment!

You can bet your life Triage would have referred you for a sanction if you'd NOT gone to the interview.

stevemLS

anonymousx3 wrote: »

All I was suggesting is that you should make fulfilling JSA a number one priority. In other words, that means work-related activities should be the focus of your day. If you have anything else to do that you think to be an obligation, think again. Not fulfilling the agreement will result in a sanction and rightfully so.

So even if you can't notify the other non-essential appointment of your schedule, be sure to arrive at your JCP appointments on time first.

It's for your own good, they only want to help you find work.

Surely finding a job should be their number one priority.

You have a peculiar view of the world, it seems to me.

Yes, OP should have let them know he had an interview, he has agreed that and is suffering a loss of benefit for his trouble.

According to those on here, finding JSA claimants a job is not top of the list of priorities for job centre staff.

Toxicity

anonymousx3 wrote: »

All I was suggesting is that you should make fulfilling JSA a number one priority. In other words, that means work-related activities should be the focus of your day.

You realize OP was at a job interview, right?

Butti

anonymousx3 wrote: »

They are right to sanction you. You broke your side of the JSA agreement, so you should rightfully be punished. Let this be a lesson and in future be sure prioritize WORK first over your leisure time.

How helpful annonymouse - are you just hanging around waiting to cast judgement?

Having said that in one sense they are right. Bizarre as it sounds you have to prioritise appointments with the job centre above even job seeking. Part of the job centre staffs job these days is to reduce the benefits bill by getting people sanctioned. Don't make it easy for them.

I would do three things.
1. Gather lots of evidence of what you have been doing to get a job
2. Write to / go and see your MP
3. Seek independent advice from Citizens Advice - ring up and see if you can get an appointment.

Morlock

Bumsnogger wrote: »

I've been on the dole for two months, don't tar me with the same brush as jeremy kyle leeching layabouts. Fcking numpty.

It's amazing how common it is for people here claiming benefits to declare they are not dole scum like the rest of 'them', but are special, little snowflakes.

Bumsnogger wrote: »

Ive been proved right anyway by being successful in my appeal.

But you haven't been successful as you are receiving only hardship payments, your next sanction will now be even longer.

Cate1976

In your situation I would appeal submitting the folling evidence:

1) Evidence that you were at the interview, including where the interview was and what time it started.
2) Say how long the interview lasted
3) Evidence to show that you arrived at JCP asap after the interview ended, if you used public transport include timetables with the bus/train you used highlighted.

I would also add that you realise the official rules are that you inform JCP if you're unable to make appointments or will be late but in this instance, the interview was at short notice.

Also ask what the official rules are if you get an interview which clashes with JCP appointments/signing times including allowance for travel from where the interview is to JCP.

Lastly, say that in future you will unsure that you let JCP know if you're unable to make appointments/signing or will be late due to an interview. When you get to the rescheduled appointment/signing, ensure you have the proof with you of attendance at the interview and if you used public transport have the timetables and tickets with you.

I hope your appeal is successful. Hardship should be 60% of your JSA.

Jobseeeker

anonymousx3 wrote: »

All I was suggesting is that you should make fulfilling JSA a number one priority. QUOTE]

A priority over going to a job interview??!!

OP I hope you get the job then this will all be irrelevant