Benefits stopped...wonder where i stand

[Flagg913]

My girlfriend today had her benefits (jobseekers) stopped, she asked why and found out..itwas because she had not attended a Job review interview... She had never recieved a letter about this...but they said they had sent one..and that she must have recieved it...they said there is nothing she can do apart from reclaim... Surely she shouldn't have to pay for their mistake... Any help would be great. Thanks

[adamrao]

First of all she needs to reclaim JSA and ask for fast track or rapid processing and request for backdated payment (from the date when JSA stopped to the reclaim date). Speak to JSA advisor and explain the issue, tell the advisor she is available for interview but make sure she keeps record of all the contacts she has made. Job Centre informs local Housing Benefit Unit about the break in the claim so dont forget to explain the same to Housing Benefit Unit.

Good Luck to her.

[Flagg913]

Thanks for the advice...What if they say they is no such thing as fast track or rapid processing... She did speak to her advisor who basically said it wasn't their fault..if my girllfriend should complain or blame anyone she should try the postal service.

[emmaf01]

She could officially appeal the decision.

First she needs to re-apply asap. This confirms her continued eligibility for JSA- and continuity for her appeal.

Then it may help to make contact with her local council welfare rights advisor. A brilliant service and an expert in benefit law and appeals.

If the jobcentre did not inform your girlfriend about her upcoming interview when she signed on and relied on a letter to inform her, which never arrived she may have a case for appeal, I don't know. but the best thing to do is get her to re-apply and ask for appeals info and seek specialist help.

[adamrao]

Originally Posted by Flagg913

Thanks for the advice...What if they say they is no such thing as fast track or rapid processing... She did speak to her advisor who basically said it wasn't their fault..if my girllfriend should complain or blame anyone she should try the postal service.

Please see the following:

Jobcentre Plus - Working Age Benefits Rapid Reclaim

Rapid Reclaim

Last updated December 2002

This benefit is dealt with by Jobcentre Plus.
What is it?

• Will give you confidence to start a job if you are not sure it will last and are concerned it will be difficult to claim benefit again if the job ends
• Simpler shorter forms for re-claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) and Income Support.
• For people who stopped getting JSA or Income Support but need to reclaim within 12 weeks of the benefit stopping.
• Your other circumstances must be the same as when your benefit stopped.

When can I use it?

Have you returned to the same benefit (either JSA or IS) within 12 weeks of entitlement ceasing on your previous claim?



There has been no change in your circumstances since your previous claim. The following changes do not affect Rapid Reclaim:

• you or someone you are claiming for is now pregnant, or
• Tax Credits has been claimed or awarded.

Are you under 60 (Income Support customers only).
If YES to all, you may be able to use Rapid Reclaim process.
More information

For more information, get in touch with your Jobcentre Plus office, Jobcentre or social security office.


About the appeal yea emmaf01 is right, see your local welfare rights or CAB advisor.

Please note: if you are going to appeal against any Job centre decision you have a month to do it (apart from Incapacity Ben. PCA).

[Flagg913]

She has applied for jobseekers again on the rapid reclaim...she has an interview tomorrow... Does anyone know how long it will take for them to pay her, as she is now low on money.... another small question....was the jobseeker advisor correct when she said we only have to send you a letter about a job review interview...we don't have to tell you anymore. is this correct? is they anything my girlfriend should say or do tomorrow at the interview...to speed things up or help her. Just found out that she had a job review interview in April...should she be getting one so quick as i thought they should be every 6 months?

[emmaf01]

If she is low on cash and needs help, tell her to apply for a crisis loan at her interview.

Due to changes in where and how social fund applications are processed, in many areas these now need to be posted or in an emergency faxed for processing.

As for an appeal against the decision to stop her JSA, due to the fact that things have changed since i was behind a desk in a jobcentre, I would get you girlfriend to seek advise at the local council welfare rights. A phonecall could be enough to enlighten you about current procedures- perhaps with a check before on the Royal Mail (or which ever mail provider JCP are using at the mo) to find out the % of mail lost/not delivered on time.

[Flagg913]

Just wondered....just found out that she had a job review interview in April...should she be getting one so quick as i thought they should be every 6 months?

[Flagg913]

Justa quick update...she got a letter today saying she will not be backdated from the 2tth june....she'll only get payed from the 11th july ...what should we do as this was not her fault in the first place?