Switching from Back to Education to Jobseekers Allowance

fintan.moloney

Hey guys,

Does anyone know how it works when you finish a year in College and you switch back to JSA? I'm wondering as two weeks ago I filled out and handed in the form that details when you are finishing up College and if you are going back next year etc (which I am). The date I had down for finishing this year is May 14th which is when I have my last exam (tomorrow).

Normally I get BTE paid into my bank account and I just checked now and didn't get paid this week (normally its Thursday). I thought this switch over process was meant to be seamless (i.e. no payment gaps)...the only possibility I can think of is maybe it went to the Post Office as it was before I got BTE, alas they are closed now so can't check

Could anyone who has been through this switch over enlighten me how it works normally?

Cheers

daenerysstormborn3

There should be no gaps in payment, no issues at all. You filled in your form and it should have just been processed with no issues. My boyfriend is in the same situation as you.

I would contact your local office asap because the longer you leave it the longer you may be without payment.

Lugh Ildanach

They are phasing out electronic payments for JSA in general, so it may be that they will want you to collect your payment while you're on the JSA payment. Just check with them to see what the craic is.

fintan.moloney

Cheers lads,

Checked with them today, said that it shouldn't have happened. A while back when changing address they had asked for proof of the new address which I handed in. It seems they lost that and the person who was supposed to get it didn't so they stopped payment.

So their mistake but I'll still have to wait until this Thursday for both payments.

I presume when the switch over to JA happens I'll know as no payment will go in and I guess it will just be in the post office. I don't know why they can't just leave it so it goes into my bank account, maybe they will but as mentioned they apparently are phasing that out.

dundalklad

Hi - im in the exact same boat.
Got a form from welfare I had to send back confirming I would be returning to college in sep 2011. Then on my last day of exams (last thurs) I went to the office with a letter from the college saying I would return in sep dependent on results and they got me to fill out a repeat claim form. I called them yesterday to see what was the story and was told my last payment would be in the bank today (which it is) and for the summer my first payment will be available from next tuesday in the post office. Very efficient I have to say!!!

fintan.moloney

I better give them a call as I have not heard of a repeat claim form. The only form I handed in was the one that came in the post..they never mentioned filling in anything else or needing letters from the College. I'm still on BTE but as you mentioned this is probably the last week and don't want to miss JA next week ! As usual with these things they never tell you all the information you need to know...its on a need to know basis with them.

dundalklad

Glad to be of help, they really are terrible at givin out info. its my third year doin it so thats why im clued in. the repeat claim is if u have previously made a claim like me last summer. Not sure if you need a letter from the college as I gave it in cos im goin str8 from level 7 to level 8. Let me know how you get on mate. Best of luck.

fintan.moloney

Interestingly enough that same letter came about an hour later today in the post. Its the one you mentioned and they set me up for an appointment on Tuesday to see them. Doesn't mention about a College letter but does mention where you worked previously so even though that was about 17 months ago I'll probably just fill that in anyway and bring something to show I was finished from that job. Might be quicker than a college letter now at this stage. Hopefully the fact I'm meeting them Tuesday doesn't screw up next week lol

dundalklad

Fingers crossed ur still on back to education. Did u get it today? I know my transfer only happened once id filled out that form so hopefully they dont take you off it and you get it next thursday too!

fintan.moloney

haha yeah ! well I got it today (BTE) but I'm sure thats finished now as I think it ends at the end of May..will have to see what the chick I talk to on Tuesday morning says anyway - don't care which one it is next week...buy yeah both would be a good one lol

dundalklad

hahaha!! well if it was me id call the office now and just ask them if you are getting a payment next week. Least that way there will be no nasty surprises!

dundalklad

Hey Fintan, any update on how ur claims going?