Review of Jobseekers Allowance Claim

mary55

Hey All

I got a letter telling me to go to my local Social Welfare Office next for an interview regarding my claim for Jobseekers Allowance. The letter says to bring all records of bank accounts, credit card statements or Credit Union Statements for the last four months. Also any evidence of bank statements for a spouse but im not married so this does not apply to me.

Should I be worried about this? What are they going to ask me?

I am freaking out a bit about this as this has never happened to me before.

Thanks

Martha

Cushie Butterfield

No, you've nothing to worry about. Just bring what they asked you to.

If you've nothing to hide you've nothing to fear.

mary55

ok well the only money I have is what I get from Social Welfare so I hope it should be ok. Will he ask me other questions besides about my Bank Accounts???

Cushie Butterfield

You could be asked anything, but I think you're worrying unnecessarily. Just answer all questions truthfully. If they have a problem they won't be long about telling you, but it sounds like a routine review, especially if you've been claiming for a longer period.

mary55

Well I presume if there was anything wrong they would have said it in the letter. I have been on it a few years now so I suppose a review was likely then as you say. I have just come off jobbridge scheme so I at least have been doing something.

mary55

I have about 2000 in savings but this is money from Social Welfare I saved. I hope this won't come against me will it?

Peppa Pig

mary55 wrote: »

I have about 2000 in savings but this is money from Social Welfare I saved. I hope this won't come against me will it?

No - the first €20,000 of savings and investments is disregarded for the means test.

Citizens Information - Jobseekers Allowance

mary55

ok thanks so can I just presume its just a random review with nothing to worry about?

JustAThought

mary55 wrote: »

I have about 2000 in savings but this is money from Social Welfare I saved. I hope this won't come against me will it?

If the allowance you are Getting Is benefit - which is means tested - and you say you have no financial link to your spouse, but you still have managed to save e2,000 from Your dole I would personally be expecting hard questions.

Peppa Pig

kennryyr wrote: »

Really?
What have you been doing to find work?

mary55 wrote: »

Well I presume if there was anything wrong they would have said it in the letter. I have been on it a few years now so I suppose a review was likely then as you say. I have just come off jobbridge scheme so I at least have been doing something.

.

JustAThought

JustAThought wrote: »

If the allowance you are Getting Is benefit - which is means tested - and you say you have no financial link to your spouse, but you still have managed to save e2,000 from Your dole I would personally be expecting hard questions.

You don't know her circumstances. She may own her own house outright and have no rent or mortgage to pay. She may be a non drinker or smoker. People can be very careful with their money and manage on a small amount.

Mary55 - Bring any evidence of jobs you have applied for. Emails, letters, etc. I wouldn't worry. I WOULD worry if they were NOT carrying out such reviews and rooting out the chancers.

CommanderC

JustAThought wrote: »

If the allowance you are Getting Is benefit - which is means tested - and you say you have no financial link to your spouse, but you still have managed to save e2,000 from Your dole I would personally be expecting hard questions.

OPhas been on the dole for a few years. Lets assume thats 2 years. That's 104 weeks. In order to save €2,000 over this time, she would only have to save €19 per week.

Not exactly impossible.

mary55

I am not married and never have been. I still live at home with parents that is why I save money. I do apply for jobs I don't get interviews or answers. I have been on the jobbridge scheme for 9 months so I have been working. I am trying to sort myself out I have applied for fas courses as well. I am hoping the experience I have gained from jobbridge will help me find a job.

All im asking is just because I have 2000 will it matter? Also will I be asked anything else in the interview or should I be worried about anything?

Don't be worrying, Mary55. They are not trying to catch you out, just looking at ways to help you get back to work. They can tell the genuine from the chancers. If you have any ideas for courses you would like to do, bring them with you. They really are NOT out to get you, just help you.

mary55

Thanks Mary Anne I will just try to put it out of my head and as you said they are just trying to help me so I hope they will. Thanks I just wish it was over with.

mary55

Just letting ye know how I got on. Went in this morning all he wanted to see was my bank accounts and just run through my finances. Said things were fine. All that worrying for nothing.