Confused about JSA payment and what to do?

determined_new_ms

I lost my job a month ago and applied for JSA while looking for work. Went to 2 appts with the adviser. Then I received a letter saying I wasn't entitled to (contributions based) JSA as I hadn't paid enough NI.

This was confusing in itself as I was earning decent wages over the last few years, but I did have 5 weeks between jobs in 2013.

I emailed the adviser for advice over this, and called but didn't get a response. My mother literally died on the day I was dismissed (didn't pass my probation and was called unexpectedly to a meeting to be told to leave) so I really haven't had the energy to follow it up and decided I would just cope until I got another job.

Then today I have received a letter and a payment into my bank saying they are closing my claim.

So now I don't know what to do? The implication is either I am entitled to JSA and haven't gone to appts (and therefore would probably be sanctioned?) or they have paid me by mistake and if so I can ill afford to pay it back.

I'm not sure what to do?

tomtontom

You need to call them and ask what the payment is for. Do you have an entitlement to income based JSA? If only received today they may still be able to recall the payment.

rogerblack

determined_new_ms wrote: »

This was confusing in itself as I was earning decent wages over the last few years, but I did have 5 weeks between jobs in 2013.

'The last few years' is not quite relevant.
The only years that are important is (for a claim now) 2012/13 and 13/14. Any work done before April 2012, or after April 2014 doesn't matter.

5 weeks off will not have meant you are not entitled to JSA - if you were earning significantly.

The letters generated by benefit departments are often awful - even if the person causing them to be issued presses the right buttons.
If anything goes wrong, ...

Mersey_2

Certainly complain re he lack of response to your call and email.


DWP Service Standards are that they are meant to respond within 10 working days.


But, more importantly, in the meantime, ask someone else to check your NIC record as mistakes are fairly common, sadly.