Helping someone claim JSA - questions

skintmacflint

When_the_going_gets_tough wrote: »

I think this is correct - telephone claims are no longer allowed. I think they are meant to provide access to computers at the jobcentre but they clearly ignore this requirement.

Is this a very new thing?A few months ago it could be done over the phone in certain circumstances. My SIL's friend had problems with the online system not accepting his claim. due to an inherent glitch in the system.

After a discussoin with the JSA helpline, an advisor gave him a number to call to make his claim online. He was told to mention to whomever answered his call to tell them the helpline told him to call because it was a special circumstance or similar.

So it's not easy, but was still an avaialable option a few months ago.

FBaby

Can't you go with him to the library and show him how to use the computer, letting him imputing the information, rather than doing it for him? Any help he can get using a computer will be the most valuable help you can provide. He can then still make the appointment with the library for more training. In the meantime, he can practice on his own as often as possible, you learn a lot by trial and error.

seven-day-weekend

There are going to be many people who are unable to make an online claim. I find it difficult to believe that there is no facility to make the claim by phone.

Has he tried this number (free from landlines)?

Claim JSA by phone
Contact Jobcentre Plus if you can’t apply online.

Jobcentre Plus
Telephone: 0800 055 6688
Welsh language: 0800 012 1888
Textphone: 0800 023 4888
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/how-to-claim

stevemLS

You don't need to worry about the Data Protection Act, it has no application in these circumstances.

Adereterial

He can claim by phone - they will try to encourage him to claim online but if he is COMPLETELY incapable of claiming online, they will take the claim by phone.

This option is available nationally.

The DPA does not apply to you - the information he may enter on your PC will not be stored there but transmitted securely to DWP, to whom the act does apply & where systems are in place to ensure the requirements of the Act are met. Not entirely sure why you think it would apply to you, in these circumstances, really.

pennyago

They do not bar anyone from making a claim. They have computers in the Job Centres and advisers to assist. I have a friend who was made redundant in his late fifties and had never used a computer in his life. The staff were most helpful. I think he claimed by phone and the Job Centre staff helped him to search for jobs. He has now got his own PC and Internet access at home and is still looking for jobs daily.

Voyager2002

pennyago wrote: »

They do not bar anyone from making a claim. They have computers in the Job Centres and advisers to assist. I have a friend who was made redundant in his late fifties and had never used a computer in his life. The staff were most helpful. I think he claimed by phone and the Job Centre staff helped him to search for jobs. He has now got his own PC and Internet access at home and is still looking for jobs daily.

Indeed: this is how things are supposed to work.

Shocking that a particular Job Centre is so badly managed that a vulnerable person is sent away rather than being helped. In my opinion a complaint should be made, perhaps to the local MP or through the DWP's internal complaints process.

Depending on the reasons why he cannot use a computer, this behaviour might actually be illegal under anti-discrimination legislation.

seven-day-weekend

I agree with a previous poster who said that he could take the opportunity to learn about how to use a computer, even if he can make his claim by phone. A basic knowledge is needed to apply for most jobs these days.

Poppie68

Does this person actually want to apply for JSA, sounds like obstacles are being found where there actually aren't any. What about your friend? are they unable to use a computer? If both the friend and the son are unable to use a computer can they take a willing friend or family member into a internet cafe and apply there, or as they have come to you for help wouldn't it be the friendly thing to do. Or at least give the friend and son a lesson in internet use and send them on their way to the nearest internet cafe to complete the online application.

alexjonsson

I wish I didn't know how to use a computer, I'd save so much time.

I agree that the Jobcentre are at fault here, they have the facility there. They're just being bone-idle and trying to make it someone else's problem. A complaint should be made.

By the way, are libraries obliged to provide assistance? I wouldn't have thought so unless booked on to some specific course.