We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.
This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Flexible support fund
Mattonlaptop
Posts: 49 Forumite
Hello everyone,
Little background from me.
I have been claiming JSA for 3 weeks.
From 2001-2012 I was in continuous employment, from Nov to 2012 until now I have had 3 jobs, all on short term contracts, in total during this period I have claimed JSA for 4 months, and never longer than a 2 month period.
Yesterday I was offered work in London (I am in the Midlands) the work is only for 3 weeks but it is good money and a chance to put some finances behind me whilst the search for long term employment continues.
I phoned the benefits office to stop my claim, and requested a same day payment for my outstanding benefits explaining that it would help me to start work with day to day costs as the company would not meet those (Such as accommodation until pay day, mobile phone voucher for work related calls, initial travel costs). I was told because I had ONE same day payment in the last 12 months (This was because they turned down an STBA request) I could not have another one. I politely pointed out to the lady on the phone that this was then restricting me from starting the job and I would be unable to do so at this stage. She then informed me that I could be sanctioned for not taking the work, even though the DWP were effectively blocking me from doing so, bearing in mind the benefits are paid in arrears so I was only asking what was owed to me.
I am unable to get a budgeting loan because I have not claimed for more than 6 months. Another gripe, the DWP are happy to help long term claimants with money to get them back on their feet, but for short term unemployed who want to work there is nothing?
Has anyone used the flexible support fund? I have read on the DWP's own guidelines (I am not allowed to post the link) that it may be able to help me as these are effectively barriers stopping me from working and I have an appointment on Friday.
Little background from me.
I have been claiming JSA for 3 weeks.
From 2001-2012 I was in continuous employment, from Nov to 2012 until now I have had 3 jobs, all on short term contracts, in total during this period I have claimed JSA for 4 months, and never longer than a 2 month period.
Yesterday I was offered work in London (I am in the Midlands) the work is only for 3 weeks but it is good money and a chance to put some finances behind me whilst the search for long term employment continues.
I phoned the benefits office to stop my claim, and requested a same day payment for my outstanding benefits explaining that it would help me to start work with day to day costs as the company would not meet those (Such as accommodation until pay day, mobile phone voucher for work related calls, initial travel costs). I was told because I had ONE same day payment in the last 12 months (This was because they turned down an STBA request) I could not have another one. I politely pointed out to the lady on the phone that this was then restricting me from starting the job and I would be unable to do so at this stage. She then informed me that I could be sanctioned for not taking the work, even though the DWP were effectively blocking me from doing so, bearing in mind the benefits are paid in arrears so I was only asking what was owed to me.
I am unable to get a budgeting loan because I have not claimed for more than 6 months. Another gripe, the DWP are happy to help long term claimants with money to get them back on their feet, but for short term unemployed who want to work there is nothing?
Has anyone used the flexible support fund? I have read on the DWP's own guidelines (I am not allowed to post the link) that it may be able to help me as these are effectively barriers stopping me from working and I have an appointment on Friday.
0
Comments
-
could the temp employer not help?0
-
No, I did mention that in my initial post.
I have exhausted all other avenues.0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply
Categories
- All Categories
- 352K Banking & Borrowing
- 253.5K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 454.2K Spending & Discounts
- 245K Work, Benefits & Business
- 600.6K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 177.4K Life & Family
- 258.8K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.2K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.6K Read-Only Boards