Jobseekers Allowence - PSC Card required to collect

actua11

Hi there, hopefully someone can help me clear up a little confusion as it's my first time going through the system.

Basically I've just received my first letter from Intreo regarding my first collection date at the post office. The letter asks me to bring my PSC Card..

Problem is that I don't have one, and was told that I would just need my usual identification to collect. I've also read that the take-up on the PSC Card is given out by invitation from the benefit services....as mentioned here - http://www.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/the-60second-guide-to-getting-your-public-services-card-35000262.html

So, the points I am not sure on are..
-Do I need a PSC Card?
-Do I need to apply for one, or as my first time at the Intreo office last week, can I expect an application letter in the post?
-As there is only little over a week from my first visit to the Intreo office to when I am expected to collect, I doubt this is not enough time to process a card application, thus I won't have a card on my first collection date....how should I approach this

Any help would be appreciated, even just to give me a clearer idea as to what to mention should I need to go to Inreo/Post Office to clear this up, thanks

Balagan

Department of Social Protection customers may be invited to attend for Public Services Card registration.
You can also contact your local Social Welfare office or Intreo centre to arrange an appointment or make an appointment online.
Online appointments
If you want to get a PPS number or to be registered for a Public Services Card, you can now make an appointment online at MyWelfare.ie.
You will first need to register with the site. To do this you need a mobile phone number and two email addresses (a main address and an alternate address).
When you have made your appointment, print the notification and bring it to your appointment along with the required documents (listed in the notification).
You can access a list of Public Service Card registration centres on welfare.ie.http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/irish_social_welfare_system/public_services_card.html

Getting paid
You can collect your Jobseeker’s Allowance payment weekly from your nearest Post Office. You must bring valid photographic identification (photo ID) with you to collect your payment. The following is considered to be valid photo ID:
Public Services Card
Driving licence
Passport
GNIB card
EU/EEA nationals may use a National Identity Card
Staff working in the Post Office may ask to see your photo ID before giving you your payment. http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/unemployed_people/jobseekers_allowance.html Also remember to bring the letter regarding your first payment with you to the Post Office.

actua11

Balagan wrote: »

Department of Social Protection customers may be invited to attend for Public Services Card registration.
You can also contact your local Social Welfare office or Intreo centre to arrange an appointment or make an appointment online....Also remember to bring the letter regarding your first payment with you to the Post Office.

Thank you for the reply

This is the confusion I am having though...

What I was told, lines up with the second paragraph of your reply. "Bring your letter" & "Bring your photo ID", which I understand.

However the letter I received specifically mentions that I must bring my PSC Card to the post office which as mentioned in your first paragraph is something I have to be invited for, or make a separate appointment for.

This is a process which will surely take longer than the start of next week for my due date at the post office where I have been told that I need to bring a PSC Card, as per the letter I received from them.

Again, I have been working off that second paragraph, so should I still just bring my letter and photo ID to collect, or should I have some way to explain why I have no PSC Card, though the letter specifically requested it?

Sorry for the confusion, but it essentially comes to me being told that I don't need a PSC Card by Intreo (Just the letter and photo ID) for my first collection, but then being sent a letter by them stating that I do, so I'm not sure which is right?

Balagan

Do both i.e., request an appointment to get your PSC card and bring valid photo ID and the letter about being granted the JSA to the PO when you go to collect until such time as you have your PSC card.

njs030

Contact intero they used to be able to give a temporary card until your permanent one was ready.

mickmac76

Just bring a valid form of ID such as a passport and proof of address. I was in getting my PSC yesterday and it was very quick. You can make an appointment in your local office. They said I will have the card in 8 days.