Social Welfare Back Payments

LegacyUser

Hi guys.

I've a question regarding social welfare.

I applied Sept 9th, and just got word today that I was entitled to back payment over the past 6 weeks, for collection at my post office tomorrow.

But, 3 weeks into the 6 weeks, I got a job sorted, and was asked to come into work on the day I found out I had a job. I wasn't certain to whether I was entitled to social welfare because there has been so many complications in the past with my family as my dad's self employed, we rent out a house while renting ourselves, etc. So I tried to cancel my claim online but it didn't work, and I tried to call into the office but unfortunately did not get the chance.

I found out today they were trying to pay me for 6 weeks, but I only want 3 weeks back payment because as I say I've been working 3 weeks. The money is ready for collection tomorrow.

Should I collect the money and pay back what I owe? I really need the money as I've not been paid for my work at my new job. I tried to go to welfare today to tell them that I'd gotten a job but my local branch was closed for maintenance (which was really frustrating) and I have work most other opening days - today was my only day off where I could have sorted it, and of course, I've rang millions of times and they don't answer their phones because they are 'too busy' (which is fair enough but an answering machine service explaining the office was unexpectedly closed would have been nice).

Anyway - in sum, what should someone in this position do? Wait, leave the money in the post office until I've explained to social welfare, or take the money and pay them back? Or take the money and sign off online?

I'm really confused and would appreciate any help. Please let me know if I haven't been clear about something.

Thanks a million.

eastbono

You should have informed social welfare when you started work. What you should do is not collect the money in the post office. Call into the sw office with a letter from your employer stating the date you started work. Social welfare can then recalculate the payment you are due. It will take approx 3 weeks for the money not collected at the post office to kick back to social welfare at that stage sw can either issue the payment by cheque to you or if you provide bank details its can be paid to your bank account.

If you are unable to call in then put a letter in the post to them along with a letter from your employer and ask that they pay you by cheque or into bank account and ask them to phone you to confirm things with you.

LegacyUser

Thanks so much for that, I'm leaning towards that solution alright.