How long to wait for Supplementary Welfare Allowance?

jessie-dub

Hi all, I'm currently having my claim for JA reviewed- I had the means test interview last week, 4 weeks after I first claimed. After my interview I was told by the lady in the welfare to go to the HSE in the mean-time to apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance. I went on Tuesday and had to fill in the form and give bank statements etc. Basically my understanding is that I now have to wait for a means test for the emergency payment, while I'm waiting for my means test to be decided upon by the Welfare. This seems to completely defeat the purpose of the payment.
I had been under the impression that the emergency payment was a quick-fix for people who have no money while they're waiting for JA or JB- I have NO money, and I mean NONE. I haven't worked for 3 months- I didn't apply for JA sooner cos Citiznes Information told me that I wasn't entitled to anything (I'm in an unusual situation that is a long story, but the girl in CI paid no attention to this- in short I am entitled to the payment).
I was given no indication by the HSE of how long the application for Supplementary Welfare Assistance will take, and with Christmas around the corner I'm terrified I won't see any money til January. Has anyone gone through this process, and if so how long did it take for them to receive any money? And does anyone know what days the SW are closed over Christmas?
Thanks!

snubbleste

Normally I'd say wait 5 working days but at the time of year;
Call the CWO tomorrow and ask about your application explaining that you are stuck for cash and ask what the delay is.

LittleRose

You shouldn't be waiting too long for money - they will normally just take a couple of days to process your claim at most. I doubt they will leave you without money over the weekend.

But this depends on whether you are living alone or with your parents or a partner / spouse. If you are living with someone who could be considered a parent or spouse, their income may be taken into consideration.

Call them tomorrow. I would be surprised if there isn't a payment organised for you before the weekend.

jessie-dub

Thanks for the response.
I'm now living with my mother- due to the delay with the JA I couldn't afford rent or bills and so had to move into her spare room- it's all very depressing! I'm 25 though so I know my mother's income can't be counted for JA, but do you think it'd matter for the supplementary allowance? She might be earning but it's her money, not mine

snubbleste

How did you get on with the CWO today?

jessie-dub

Good news, I got a phone call this morning and the payment has been processed and the cheque's in the post (sounds dodgy when I say it like that!) But I'm very relieved! They're much faster than I was led to believe at my meeting