No Longer Claiming JSA - Do I Need to Inform Council?

pennypincher3562

Diary wrote: »

'My only realistic option here, is to send a letter.'

Yes and you've got proof then 'in years to come' when they come knocking.

There is a thing called 'Signed for Delivery,' as long as I get a name of who received the letter, and told them the date I started employment, I don't see an issue.

The phone line is not an option (ridiculous wait times, they can't even answer in a prompt manner even if you are first in queue) and since I'm in full time employment, walking miles to speak to them is not a practical option.

Cheers
PennyPincher3562

tomtom256

weedave111 wrote: »

Housing benefit officer - mistakes happen all the time esp with council. They can't be trusted to do their job right most of the time coming from experience. Someone said in a different thread they told the council numerous times they were no longer entitled but still failed to deal with it then went chasing them for money through a court order! So they can't be trusted! Send a recorded letter, email and call them just to cover yourself pennypincher.

But if the OP hasn't told them in the first place what can you expect!

You can't blame the council if they haven't been told in the prescribed manner.

BlueEyedGirl

weedave111 wrote: »

Housing benefit officer - mistakes happen all the time esp with council. They can't be trusted to do their job right most of the time coming from experience. Someone said in a different thread they told the council numerous times they were no longer entitled but still failed to deal with it then went chasing them for money through a court order! So they can't be trusted! Send a recorded letter, email and call them just to cover yourself pennypincher.

That is probably something to do with the staff being overworked and underpaid... I speak from experience! Whenever you deal with anyone in a office / call centre make a note of the name, date and time you have spoken to the person!

pennypincher3562

tomtom256 wrote: »

But if the OP hasn't told them in the first place what can you expect!

You can't blame the council if they haven't been told in the prescribed manner.

Eg, give me a chance. I started work last week at the last minute, and will inform the council this week.

Cheers
PennyPincher3562

pennypincher3562

Phoned this morning. They are no longer even answering the phone (get message saying 'call back later.') So 'signed for' letter is only option.

HMRC is even worse, I sent them a letter about a tax refund, and was told it would take them 3 months to reply.

I have to admit I am shocked, it seems like several public services are in meltdown. I'd expect this level of service in a 3rd World country.

Cheers
PennyPincher3562

weedave111

tomtom256 wrote: »

But if the OP hasn't told them in the first place what can you expect!

You can't blame the council if they haven't been told in the prescribed manner.

I meant when the op tells them she must cover her back.

konark

You think that the Job Centre haven't already told them? Within a few days of signing off you'll get a letter from the Housing Benefit Dept, saying they have been informed of a change in your circumstances even if you don't tell them. However you should make contact just to make sure they know, you've got 21 days before they can invite you to contribute something to the shortfall they've been left with after the Govt reduced funding.

RAS

No need for signed for letters.

Two copies from different post offices, with free proof of posting. Even courts accept that as proof of delivery; one letter may go issing but two...........

pennypincher3562

tomtom256 wrote: »

But if the OP hasn't told them in the first place what can you expect!

You can't blame the council if they haven't been told in the prescribed manner.

To help others in my situation, this is how things panned out.

The Benefits Centre inform the council that you are no longer unemployed, and you receive a letter shortly thereafter informing you that they have done so.

So despite what some of the posts in this thread suggest, you don't need to walk to the council office to tell them, send Recorded letters, etc, etc...

emmsie123

My council page has a bit where you can upload evidence. I use that for everything.