JSB credits run out in 2 weeks

Blinking_Badger

Hi all,

I have been unemployed for almost 1 year and today was informed by my SW office that I only have 2 weeks left on JSB. I filled out the application form for JSA and was told that it could take 8 weeks for the JSA to be approved after completing a means test interview.

My question is should I contact my CWO straight away about emergency welfare payments or wait for 2 weeks? Will this transition period affect my rent supplement payment? Also, at the means test interview will I need to provide proof that I have been looking for a job? To be honest there havent been many job to apply for.....hmmm.

All advice appreciated,
Thanks,
BB

Dempo1

Hi there, sadly this is an all to common problem featuring across Boards.ie, some real hardship examples particular those who unlike yourself got no notice.

Anyway, thankfully you did. Yes, immediately make contact with your local CWO, Keep copies of the notification of JSB running out and also the application for JSA. I noticed you mentioned rent supplement and this would suggest you have been in contact with your CWO before as they administer this scheme.

Its always helpful to have full documentation, Birth Cert, Passport, Proof of address (Utility Bill etc) and recent Bank statements. This allows the CWO to process things quickly. CWO's have direct access to your file and will see your situation and if everything is in order, they should arrange payment for you. I don't see why your JSB running out will affect Rent supplement but do mention this when you meet the CWO.

DO NOT DELAY, SEE YOUR CWO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE OR YOU MAY MISS A WEEK OR TWO OF PAYMENTS.

Its very important to know that the Social welfare do not pay during application process and this currently takes week, your means test will take up to 8 weeks.

Finally as regard job applications. The CWO does not inquire about this but if you have any copies of applications etc its no harm to show you are making the effort.

YOU WILL NEED PROOF OF SEARCHING FOR WORK FOR THE MEANS TEST.

Good Luck!

Blinking_Badger

Thanks for your swift and very helpful reply Dempo1. I do feel for those who did not recieve warning about their JSB running out, it was worrying enough getting advance notification.

Foolishly, I did not make a copy of my JSA application before handing it in today, I really should have known by now to keep proof of everything.

You say that

Its very important to know that the Social welfare do not pay during application process and this currently takes week, your means test will take up to 8 weeks.

does this mean that I will almost certainly lose one week's payment? Maybe eight? I am getting quite worried as I have rent + bills to pay.

Thanks
BB

Dempo1

Don't worry about this, if you have sent it in, it will register on the system quite quickly, i would wait until next week before going to the CWO, at this stage the application should be received. Its critically important you keep copies of everything and i would also advise for the future to either register or swift post any documents sent to your local social welfare office, there are numerous horror stories of documents going missing but normally in smaller offices where staffing levels are tight.

As for Payments, no, don't worry about this, as long as you get to your CWO prior to your last payment on JSB, i am not guaranteeing anything but at most you may miss a week but this will be back dated, hopefully if you bring all the documents i recommended, the transition should be smooth. The CWO will not pay you until the very last JSB as been paid and the CWO will likely give your first JSA payment in the form of a Cheque.

Just remember, the CWO is only an intermediary during the time your JSA is being processed by your social welfare office.

Blinking_Badger

OK, thank you once again for the brilliant advice. My CWO is available Wed + Thurs so will wait until Wed week before calling in.

I was wondering alright why some people were getting cheques from the CWO when I was in their office last week, now I know, thanks.

Your advice is spot on about registering all correspondence to SW, I have also heard tales of "missing" documentation from other SW recipients.

Thanks again,

BB

Dempo1

No Prob, let me know how you get on!:)

Blinking_Badger

Will do and once again thanks, I can sleep easier tonight!