Jobseekers Application and a new job...

shroomdoom

Hey everyone,

I applied for Jobseekers a few weeks ago after finishing a previous contract. I've now obtained employment on another contract. However, the job doesn't start for a few weeks and I'll still require the dole to survive until that point and use funds from before my return to work date to pay for transport until my first paycheque.

If I go into Social Welfare and explain this, would they disregard my application? If they don't give me anything, I simply won't be able to prepare for my new contract.

Any advice would be appreciated as it's the first time I've signed on.

WhoWhatWhere

Generally for Jobseekers you won't get paid for months. There's thousands of applications a week being lodged. What you could do is go to your community welfare officer and ask him/her for a weekly payment while you wait for your job to start, with the promise you'll pay them back.

shroomdoom

Thanks very much for your prompt response.

Yes, it's only been two weeks since I signed on and I was told to wait about 6 weeks for anything. I have a meeting on Wednesday with the community welfare office but I was just unsure how to direct the conversation.

Will they really care if I need the funds for transport and work clothes or are they likely to think that's ridiculous?

Sorry for all the n00b questions!

WhoWhatWhere

6 weeks is quite optimistic of them.
Depends on them, some are lovely, some aren't. If I were you, I'd tell them it's for essential week to week things. Groceries, bills, that sort of thing.

shroomdoom

Thank you for your advice

WhoWhatWhere

They are human and do feel empathy but I just imagine their feelings for you wanting money for buses and work clothes as kind of not their problem, but weekly essentials they shouldn't turn you down for. In any case, you're entitled to payment from the CWO while your application is processed. The back payments you would usually receive when accepted just go back to them to pay what you owe. So you could just say you need payment while waiting on a decision. Don't even mention job. Just a week prior to starting say you've found a job and withdraw your application!

shroomdoom

Yeah, that's what I wanted to avoid the awkwardness off. I feel a bit pathetic going to them and begging to survive but, that's life!

I would have hoped they'd see that in the long term they'd be saving the state money. If I can't get to work, I can't work. I'll try my best.

WhoWhatWhere

Best of luck.