Just made a claim, what now?

Intervention

Hi, I have just made a claim for JSA to my local SW office the other day. They looked me up on the system, asked me to fill out a quick form, and then asked me what post office I would prefer to collect in. They didn't mention whether or not I will be actually getting money, but I did not really ask as I was not used to the procedure.
The woman I was dealing with just said that we will get a letter out to you. I am bit confused now as to what she meant. It was a very quick interview and I just had to fill out a few minor details on an application. I accidentally filled out a wrong section about my living situation and she just crossed it out and said that I didnt need to fill that bit out as I am claiming off my stamps.
Can anybody please tell me if it sounds like I am entitled to payment here, or is this the standard way they handle your application regardless of entitlement?
Thanks.

Xiney

It sounds like you applied for Jobseeker's Benefit which is not means tested (hence the claiming off your stamps)

It takes far less time to be processed for JB than JA - you will likely get a letter within two weeks informing you of sign on dates and what day of the week you are to collect your payment in the PO.

Good luck

Intervention

Thanks for the reply. So does the fact that I am living at home with my folks affect my claim if I am claiming off my stamps? I understand that you get a smaller rate normally if you are living at home, as you are not paying rent etc.

My claim has been made here in the midlands and I expect the back log would not be as big as it is in Dublin. So, when you say 2 weeks before I receive a letter, do you mean in general?

Xiney

I do mean generally - but JB is almost universally much quicker than JA to process.

Your means (and therefore those of the people you're living with be they family or partner) are not taken into account for JB. If your PRSI stamps run out before you find work and you are forced to apply for JA, then they will be.

Intervention

Xiney, just one more question. Is it possible to track the process of your claim? For example, can I phone up my local office and see where it is at? Also do you think that the officer would have told me then and there if I was not entitled to anything, rather than telling me that a letter will be sent out. I guess I really should have just asked.
Thanks

Xiney

I don't think it's possible to track the progress of your claim. For one thing, most social welfare offices in the country (from what we on the forum can tell) aren't answering their phones. So you wouldn't be able to just ring up and ask.

Besides that, while a claim is still being processed, it probably just shows up on their system as "pending". So they wouldn't be able to tell you anything more than that, it's not like tracking a package

As far as telling you if you'll be entitled to anything, they're really not supposed to do that before they've looked into your claim, because it can cause problems.

Since you applied for JB you'll know pretty soon!

cee_jay

To be honest, unless its a very quiet office, JSB wouldn't be processed in 2 weeks. As far as I know in Limerick they are currently only processing those claims made in Feb/March.
Each office is different, and there is no exact time you will be waiting unfortunately.
If you are really unsure about what is going on, and what you are claiming, there would be no harm in trying to call your local office to see - or even going into the office to ask. They could then clarify all your questions and ease your mind a bit.

Intervention

cAr0l wrote: »

To be honest, unless its a very quiet office, JSB wouldn't be processed in 2 weeks. As far as I know in Limerick they are currently only processing those claims made in Feb/March.
Each office is different, and there is no exact time you will be waiting unfortunately.
If you are really unsure about what is going on, and what you are claiming, there would be no harm in trying to call your local office to see - or even going into the office to ask. They could then clarify all your questions and ease your mind a bit.

Thanks for the post. If after how ever long I am waiting I am actually entitled to payment, do I get back paid from the date that I first signed on?

cee_jay

Yes don't worry about that. You will get paid from the date you made your claim. Those arrears may not be issued to you with your very first payment, but then again, they could be issued with it. Every case is different. All assumptions and chat on this forum is very general and every single office is different. If you are stuck for money, you can try your community welfare officer in the interim - they may be able to help you out - however if you do get paid by them, this is taken out of the arrears owed to you when your claim is processed.
Again, if you are confused in the slightest go in to the office and ask someone - they are there to help you, and can answer all your questions better than any assumptions here.