I have to go and sign on for JS.

SailorSam

I had one of those Atos medicals a few weeks ago, then yesterday got a phone call to say i'd failed and would need to start claiming JS although i could appeal.
The same thing happend earlier in the year and once my appeal went in i was given the same single JS payment but without having to sign-on.
Now i've just been to our local Welfare Rights office who helped me last time, i expected him to say i'd continue getting benefit now the appeal process had started, exactly the same as last time. But he said the rules have changed and while i'm appealing i need to sign on.
I don't even know where to go, it must be about 35yrs ago last time i was unemployed and that office has long been knocked down.
I'm 62 next birthday and can start to claim Pension Credit in June 2016, just 20 mths so i was hoping they'd just leave me alone until then. I think with my recent medical problems it's highly unlikely i'd be offered a job.

Indie_Kid

Whilst a reconsideration is being done, you have to sign on. (unless you are entitled to income support) If the reconsideration fails, you can then appeal. You then have to send in sick notes to clim ESA until the appeal is heard.

SailorSam

Thanks Indie, i know before i went for the first medical earlier in the year i was getting IS. It was only about tuppence but it led me into other things. I'll have to check am i still getting it.
This guy at the Welfare Rights gave me a phone number to arrange JS, but wouldn't say what may happen there. I've read stories on here about people being told to turn up every day for 'training' and sitting around all day, or proving they've applied for 10 jobs a week. I've been thinking for a while about doing some voluntary work again, maybe they'll say just do that.
They said at Welfare Rights my first step needs to be getting a letter from my GP.

Indie_Kid

IS is now only for single parents of children under 5 and carers. You wouldn't have got IS whilst on ESA - you would have got a top up of income based ESA.

Voyager2002

SailorSam wrote: »

Thanks Indie, i know before i went for the first medical earlier in the year i was getting IS. It was only about tuppence but it led me into other things. I'll have to check am i still getting it.
This guy at the Welfare Rights gave me a phone number to arrange JS, but wouldn't say what may happen there. I've read stories on here about people being told to turn up every day for 'training' and sitting around all day, or proving they've applied for 10 jobs a week. I've been thinking for a while about doing some voluntary work again, maybe they'll say just do that.
They said at Welfare Rights my first step needs to be getting a letter from my GP.

I suggest that you read some resources about claiming JSA: those who are unprepared have the hardest time.

Basically, you need to turn up with a CV; with an idea of the kind of job that you might be offered and be able to do; and with a plan for finding such a job. Perhaps the plan is mainly research (indicate where) and only making one application per week. At this stage turning up for 'training' is unlikely to be an issue, but if you are doing some voluntary work you are less likely to run into this problem later on.

Indie_Kid

You need to make an appointment to see a disability employment adviser too.

JCP are aware that many people are in your situation.

rogerblack

Indie_Kid wrote: »

You need to make an appointment to see a disability employment adviser too.

JCP are aware that many people are in your situation.

However.
Under no circumstances whatsoever admit that you are not fit for work.
Do not hand over a medical note.
While in principle the staff should understand the position of those claiming ESA, reports of people being refused a claim, and told to go and re-claim ESA - and even that if they do, they'll be paid just as fast (which is false, as they will not be eligible for any payment until their appeal progresses) are common.

You have been found fit.
Say that you want to work, though you need some adaptions to your agreement so you can manage.

SailorSam

I can't believe it's so difficult to sign on, why can't i just call into their office.
I've been online 'cos that's the way it has to be done these days but it says in the part for making a fresh claim that you can't do it if you've been getting Esa, i have to phone. I've been trying to phone most of the week and all i get is music and ....... all our operators are busy. I'm sitting here for over 45mins now with the phone to my ear.
Instead of this free number i found another 0345 number but only got directed back to the 0800 number.
I'm going down to the office and see can i speak to someone, this music is driving me crazy.

dandelionclock30

Try ringing first thing in the morning like at 9am.

Indie_Kid

dandelionclock30 wrote: »

Try ringing first thing in the morning like at 9am.

Tomorrow is Saturday. Are they open on a Saturday?

Sncjw

Some are open why not have a look at times on the Internet,