Does my claim get paid from application date or end of processing time?? feeling down

worriedaboumoney

Hello all. I'm feeling really down today.

Been waiting 3 weeks to hear back about my JSA claim, got a text message today telling me on the 3rd of March I will recieve £40. How do they calculate this?
I assumed my payments would start from the date of application (give or take a few). Was I naive?
I currently stay at a friends rent-free, he has been paying for all my food etc the past month as I've maxed out my overdraft. He also kindly is keeping my interest paid on my CC so I dont fall further into the pit.

I feel really disheartened, I thought I could at least refund him the cost of my food and petrol to and from job centre and volunteer post, but it seems this wont be the case.
I dropped out of Uni in my final year due to Depression and Exhaustion, I have only recently become 'fit for work' and I'm really struggling with getting back on my feet.

TL;DR
Do DWP begin claim from date of application? Or does it start post-processing time?
Is it worth ringing them up?

HappyMJ

The claim starts the day you lodge the application.

There are 7 waiting days so you get nothing for the first week. Then you get paid in arrears. The £40 would be for 5 days.

You will get another payment of £115.80 14 days later. The letter should say when you get the next payment.

worriedaboumoney

Thank you so much. I haven't received the letter yet, just the text message.
If I don't receive payment by my next appointment I'll double check with them in person.
Does the 7 days waiting get paid in arrears or is that just written off?

I almost feel a little embarrassed by my doom and gloom post now. Sometimes it's difficult to maintain cheery demeanour!

marliepanda

You don't get paid anything for the waiting days.

pmlindyloo

I don't know all your personal circumstances but did you know that you can claim housing benefit as a lodger?

If your friend was willing to have you as a lodger then he could take advantage of the Rent a Room Scheme and you would be able to claim the shared room rate of local housing allowance. (you can google your local council website for the rate)

https://www.gov.uk/rent-room-in-your-home/the-rent-a-room-scheme