JSA / JSB Waiting times Survey

KeepTheFaith · 30-10-2009 1:08am

When people say a 15 week waiting period for example do they mean from the date of application or from the date of the interview with the inspector? I just had my interview yesterday in Galway. Any thoughts welcomed..

midlandsmissus · 02-11-2009 5:31pm

It took me two weeks to get it in Mullingar.I applied in September. I was delighted but of course it was too good to be true! They then made a mistake through filing me in the wrong place and cut me off completely, it took me weeks to get it sorted but I finally got backpay and back on the system.

Top tip I would give to anyone who's having a problem with them, always take the name of the person you're dealing with. After weeks of fake promises from them, I went in to get assured that I would get my money for a third time. This time I said to the girl was 'Can I take your name in case something goes wrong AGAIN'. She immediately looked really shifty and worried. Got put back on the system the next day :-)

KetchupKid · 03-11-2009 10:57am

I finally received my JSB 2 weeks ago after waiting 17 weeks (Galway office). The funny thing was, when I finally received the letters in the post, I got 2 contradictory letters regarding the date for signing on and one was hand written, but part of it was illegible. After waiting so long and finally receiving the letter, but I couldn't read it. When I showed the letter to the lady in the PO, she said that was common and I had to go to the PO everyday for almost a week and she would scan my card to confirm if my funds were ready for collection until we could confirm the actual collection date.

crossmolinalad · 03-11-2009 6:16pm

waiting for jsa on ballina for 22 weeks now

mindymar · 04-11-2009 9:56am

Hi, applied for JSB and JSA in Dun Laoghaire at start of September, got letter end of September refusing me for JSB, I've appealed but no word back. Came home yest and had letter in post inviting me for JSA interview tmw, confused! is it possible to qualify for JSA if not qualified for JSB? didn't think it was... also they sent me a list of docs to bring but haven't asked for any evidence of job seeking, should i bring some anyway?

Xiney · 04-11-2009 11:59am

yes, you can qualify for JSA if you don't qualify for JSB.

JSB is based on PRSI contributions and JSA is means tested.

If you want you can bring in evidence of jobseeking but it's unlikely they'll ask for it at this interview which is just a means test.

CamillaRhodes · 04-11-2009 1:05pm

Mindy, I'm waiting for JSA from Dun Laoghaire too.

(And yes, as Xiney says, JSA is for those of us who don't qualify for JSB).

I'm over 25, so the means testing isn't quite as strict as it is for under 25s - if you're under 25, your parents' income will be taken into account.

For me as an over 25, they just wanted: *a form which they should have given you already (sorry I dont' remember the name/number of the form, but I was told to complete it when I first applied - this was AFTER the first application form I completed), *birth cert, *proof of address (i.e. a bill or a letter from the bank with your address), *my last six months bank statements - I have both a current account and a savings account, to be safe I brought the last 6 statements for both accounts. They didn't ask for evidence of job seeking yet, i don't know if they will do so in the future. If you have been applying for jobs, I don't think it'd hurt to bring printouts of your application letters etc - no harm giving them more supporting docs rather than less!

That was all I was asked for, though I'm still waiting, so can't be 100% sure that's all you need. I've been waiting about 6 weeks now (since 3rd week in Sept), but am anticipating a wait of another few months at least

They'll advise you of a Community Welfare Officer in your neighbourhood who can help you out if you're really stuck for cash in the short-term - I haven't availed of this yet, so can't tell you more.

Good luck!

mindymar · 04-11-2009 6:48pm

Thanks Xiney and Camilla, do they let you know on the spot if you qualify and you're just waiting for it to be processed now or you still don't know if you've qualified? I don't think i will qualify as I'm in college one day a week but citizen's information said that being able to work full time meant 30hours or more which i can easily do working 9-6 four days a week. fingers crossed but i don't hold out much hope! Thanks for the replies

howiya · 05-11-2009 12:40am

I waited just under two weeks when I signed on in August. That's in Dublin 24

mindymar · 05-11-2009 1:22pm

Had my means test interview this morning, it was very quick and she was quite nice, basically she said that my case is a grey area and it's a discretionary thing but sounded like it wouldnt go my way. Forgot to ask what the waiting times were, oops! Hopefully its not really months and months, that'd be awful!

susanroth · 05-11-2009 2:57pm

mindymar wrote: »

Had my means test interview this morning, it was very quick and she was quite nice, basically she said that my case is a grey area and it's a discretionary thing but sounded like it wouldnt go my way. Forgot to ask what the waiting times were, oops! Hopefully its not really months and months, that'd be awful!

I think the whole application is sketchy, they said to me they would contact me. I haven't received a payment in a week and the one b4 that was 34euro. What are u supposed to do? I called them again and they said to go in on a friday morning, didnt tell me to bring anything. What happens in this means test and also what are they gonna say when I dont have any rejection letters as no employer has the decency to even send on these days! So frustrating!!!!!!:mad:

Also does anyone know anything about the ce schemes? Apparently I'm one month off being eligible. Is there anyway they'd let it slide although seeing as im on no payment noe that would be hard to believe.

Please anyone know anything about this?

mindymar · 05-11-2009 9:55pm

Hi Susan, they didnt look for letters at the means test at all, just took the docs they'd asked me to bring, copied them and i was on my way! wouldn't really call it an interview at all to be honest, she didn't ask me anything at all except few things on a form like do i have any property, forest or farmland. nothing probing! Kicking myself for not asking about the processing time tho!
Re not having rejection letters I wouldnt worry too much about it, you don't need them for the means test but if they ask you can always just bring the letters that you've sent. I wasnt getting any rejection letters for ages so started applying for jobs i knew i'd never get as well as jobs i would've got in the old days, by widening the net like that it shows i'm trying everything and i got a couple of rejection letters out of it too. hope that helps.

_Kaiser_ · 05-11-2009 10:16pm

Hey all,

I'm being let go tomorrow after just over 4 years thanks to the recruitment moratorium in the public sector.

I wouldn't mind so much except that I've never been busier and my employer has appealed the decision (twice) without success as even they recognize the problems it'll cause for the organisation (I'm an IT administrator/manager you see with only 1 other person - who's hours have also been cut way back -supporting an estate of over 5000 users, 45 servers and 1800 PCs in multiple sites), but the beancounters in the Department of Finance say no, so...

Although it's probably nothing new to anyone who's been through this, to say I'm scared ****less would be an understatement! I've been in the lucky position that I've always been working since I left college, so I haven't a clue where to even start with this whole thing.

I gather I need this UP1 form and a pile of supporting documents (birth cert, P45, proof of looking for work) before I go in on Monday I assume, but after that I haven't a clue what I'm entitled to or should ask.

Any idea how long it takes to process in Cavan? Sorry for the somwhat rambling post..

Cheers

susanroth · 05-11-2009 11:39pm

Well they havent actually told me to bring anything in so maybe i'll just go see what the deal is! I wish to god I just got a job before now, its such a nightmare.. Is anyone at the stage where they will take just about anything.

Re last question, I just brought in my id, proof of address and I think some tax form that wasn't my p45 as I hadn't gotten it yet(they told me I could mail it on to them when I received it which I did) I didnt bring any proof of looking for jobs, I think when your laid off its a bit different that way..

Anyway good luck with the job hunting you may get lucky! I am still waiting for my luck to kick in!

ak51535 · 06-11-2009 2:59pm

well, I got my JSB shortly after a month of applying, am really happy with it, especially after hearing the horror stories on this!
Best of luck to all and hope ya get ur jobseekers soon!

Gentle Giant · 06-11-2009 6:26pm

Kaiser2000 wrote: »

Hey all,

I'm being let go tomorrow after just over 4 years thanks to the recruitment moratorium in the public sector.

I wouldn't mind so much except that I've never been busier and my employer has appealed the decision (twice) without success as even they recognize the problems it'll cause for the organisation (I'm an IT administrator/manager you see with only 1 other person - who's hours have also been cut way back -supporting an estate of over 5000 users, 45 servers and 1800 PCs in multiple sites), but the beancounters in the Department of Finance say no, so...

Although it's probably nothing new to anyone who's been through this, to say I'm scared ****less would be an understatement! I've been in the lucky position that I've always been working since I left college, so I haven't a clue where to even start with this whole thing.

I gather I need this UP1 form and a pile of supporting documents (birth cert, P45, proof of looking for work) before I go in on Monday I assume, but after that I haven't a clue what I'm entitled to or should ask.

Any idea how long it takes to process in Cavan? Sorry for the somwhat rambling post..

Cheers

You'll need to bring a Driving licence or Passport for ID and proof of address bills, bank statements etc issued within the last 2 months. Bring your PRSI card or some document with your PRSI # and if you have any evidence of applying for work emails you sent etc I'd bring those. Ask about Mortgage Interest Supplement or Rent Supplement

CamillaRhodes · 15-11-2009 11:10pm

Hey all, just to let you know, I just received by JSA from Dun Laoghaire, less than 7 weeks after applying!! Received a lump sum for the payments backdated to my application date too.

Very damn relieved and huge kudos to Dun Laoghaire SWO who, from what I've read on this thread, may be the quickest in Ireland for JSA (in my experience anyway!) Thanks guys, the wolf is retreating a bit from the door

foundry · 16-11-2009 2:29am

JSA Carlow received within 3 wks

Applied for rent supplement while i was waiting and received an emergency payment in 3 days.
I recommend anyone look in to that, contact your local community welfare office for forms.

bigron2109 · 16-11-2009 10:18pm

Due to come off Jobs seekers benefit on the 23rd of Dec...Ive filled all the forms out for Job seekers allowance and handed them back in last week..

Just wondering how long it will take them to process this in wexford..

susanroth · 17-11-2009 4:12pm

I got my JSA after 3 weeks. Think it helps if you try and have your means test as soon as possible!

Does anyone know if a person on the dole a year can get back to education allowance, if they already have a degree??

mindymar · 19-11-2009 1:53pm

Still waiting to hear back from appeals office on JSB altho they sent a letter saying that would take about four weeks. No word back on JSA although by sounds of things that takes months. Not holding out much hope!

jockey#1 · 19-11-2009 9:39pm

Anyone know what the waiting times are like for JSB in Cork City and what the queues are like?
I am also moving to a town outside Cork during my temp layoff, can i request to change post office for collection of my money?

Thanks

Jockey

susanroth · 19-11-2009 10:33pm

jockey#1 wrote: »

Anyone know what the waiting times are like for JSB in Cork City and what the queues are like?
I am also moving to a town outside Cork during my temp layoff, can i request to change post office for collection of my money?

Thanks

Jockey

You have to call the social welfare office to change the collection offfice. They can give you the number in the post office you collect your "wages" in. I think you just have to fill out a form and bring it to your new local office.

dustyrip · 23-11-2009 3:40am

mindymar wrote: »

Still waiting to hear back from appeals office on JSB altho they sent a letter saying that would take about four weeks. No word back on JSA although by sounds of things that takes months. Not holding out much hope!

You will have to go down to the head office yourself and sort it out. The SW system isso badly run that if you just sit back and do nothing you won't get anywhere with them for ages, especially if you don't have enough stamps built up.

Shzm · 24-11-2009 10:38am

Just got mine in the post now after applying for JSA in July at Blanchardstown, so nearly 6 months.

Such a relief, I was down to my last few pennies!

bigron2109 · 24-11-2009 11:20pm

Any one Know what the time length is on JSA in wexford town???

Doctorsamuel · 25-11-2009 2:41am

Hi there.
I applied for JBA the 1th of september 2009 and at the end of october Welfare sent me this letter:

Dear Mr,

I refer to you your recent claim for Jobseekers Allowance.

Until to you to your claim has been approved for payment, you will be
required to sign at this office on a monthly basis.
Your next signing day will be on thursday 5th of november between
10.30am - 12.00 pm
If your claim has been approved for payment before the above signing
date, you do not need to sign on the above day. You will receive a
further letter confirming a different signing date and time.

If you are unable to attend you may either discuss the matter further
with me or write to explain why you are unable to attend.

Failure to contact this office may result in your claim being
closed.

Yours sincerely,

Local Officer

************************************************** *************

I went to sign and the man told me "Thanks, you'll recieve a further letter. Bye"

Anyone knows what will happen now?

Thanks in advance.

DancingDaisy · 26-11-2009 12:12pm

I applied on the 2nd of June, I started working on the 1st of July, I finished working on the 30th of August, I went in to the Social Welfare Office again, and this morning, the 26th of November, my claim was approved.

I have 16 weeks back money to collect, and have been waiting just under 6 months to have my claim from June processed.

But woohoo, I am down to my last €100 and Christmas was not happening! I can pay all my bills now, and give people back any money I may have borrowed. Heading to the post office now as I received two letters that where identical, one telling me my money was in the post office from today, and the other telling me my money will be there from tomorrow.

Just to say that this is all the Newbridge office.

brembo26 · 01-12-2009 2:45am

Galway city: 3 weeks and while i was waiting i went to the community welfare office and they paid me untill i was "offically" on the dole. i think every1 is entitled to this so check it out and dont be strapped for cash before x-mass!

KetchupKid · 01-12-2009 12:43pm

DancingDaisy wrote: »

I received two letters that where identical, one telling me my money was in the post office from today, and the other telling me my money will be there from tomorrow.

Just to say that this is all the Newbridge office.

DancingDaisy,

Same thing happened to me and that was from the Galway office. Go to the PO tomorrow and if it's not the right day at least you will know what your day is. You do have 3 days to claim, but in case you need to go somewhere or are unable to go to the PO, at least you'd know your proper day.

Xander82 · 03-12-2009 3:54pm

Mullingar office. Its week 12 now and still have not been means tested or received any correspondence. Live with girlfriend who is a full time student and puts herself 100% through college with no grant- as she works part-time to support herself I get €49 from Comm Welfare Officer a week. I can't go on much longer on 49 a week especially with Xmas coming.

Lirael · 03-12-2009 3:59pm

applied for jb 30 sept in fermoy

got it after 10 days

susanroth · 03-12-2009 4:18pm

This maybe a stupid suggestion but what if you went to the social welfare officers office and just queed up for a meeting with them. I think they might be there one day a week depending on the office actually doing interviews. I know I was told that I could I either go them or wait for them to come to me(which I'd probably still be waiting for)
Does the welfare officer not tell you anything about how long ou can expect??
I hope you get it before xmas!

flickarius · 05-12-2009 7:18pm

My wife (who is from Transylvania) had to wait 2 years as resident here before she could sign on and applied for JSA on 13th August in Louth. Now 16 weeks later she is still waiting! The man at our Local office told her someone else who applied at the same time she did got it after 8 weeks.
She was given a no for the office in Drogheda and rang three times being given the same answer "we're very sorry but we're busy, we'll have it processed as soon as possible"! She rang this week a few times and the phone just rang out. How long should it take to process one application??

RebelGirrrl · 07-12-2009 6:35pm

Cprh wrote: »

So, it took 22 weeks altogether.

I got the full rate, but they only back dated it to the 4th of July and not the 27th of May, so I effectively missed out on 8 weeks give or take.

They didn't really explain why except that it had something to do with my means test.

I am fairly happy that I'm on the full rate now though.

Hope this helps anyone still waiting.

By the way - absolutely anyone who has a social welfare payment application "pending" can apply to the local CWO Community Welfare Officer for an interim payment or set of payments until you are processed.

Don't go hungry!!!!!!!!

How exactly does the Community Welfare Officer work and how long does it take?

Cprh · 07-12-2009 6:52pm

RebelGirrrl wrote: »

How exactly does the Community Welfare Officer work and how long does it take?

OK, AFIK you go to the Community Welfare officer only after you've applied for a social welfare payment at your local social welfare office. It will take anything from a few weeks to a few months tro be processed so you need money in the mean time.

Your local CWO will be in your local health centre on certain times. You go to them with all the usual documents etc and tell him/her that you've applied for your benefits and are waiting to be processed.

They might give you payment on the spot or probably have it sorted by the next week.

You will then be able to get your payment each week until your original application is granted or declined.

If it is declined you WONT have to pay back anything you got from the CWO, so it's in your best interests to go to the CWO asap.

Normally people are back paid the full amount they are owed after processing - however if you have been recieving payments from the CWO the full amount you have been already paid by the CWO will be deducted from your back paid dole and you'll be given the balance.

I hope this makes sense.

citizens information should have more detail on it.

indiaguy · 07-12-2009 9:07pm

Signed on the 1st July,got the approval today.
The CWO sorted me out in November.
Small town in South Tipp.

Debbiefarrell82 · 10-12-2009 10:35pm

Hi,

I applied for Jobseekers allowance in October, I had my means test last week in their offices. Any idea how long more this will take? All the paperwork that they need i.e bank statements are with them. Will it be before Christmas? It's the Blanchardstown office in Dublin. Thanks

laoisforliam · 12-12-2009 11:03pm

Applied the 27th of november told i can start collecting it the 15th of december, thank god it was before x mas.. finglas offices

Mola1 · 05-01-2010 3:04pm

I applied in April for Jobseekers Benefit and it may be because I was single and had a child that I got a letter about a week later to say that I could collect it from the post office on the Friday! Guess I was one of the lucky ones!

Im in donegal By the way!

Magenta · 06-01-2010 3:53am

What are the waiting times like in Maynooth at the moment?
I applied for Job seekers Benefit (no means test) on 21st December so my application is probably going to take longer because of the Xmas holidays.
I'm living off an overdraft and need to get my car back on the road so I really need the money soon.

jenzz · 12-01-2010 10:57am

Applied for 1 parent 23rd Sept - 16 weeks this week. Supposidly the officer retired & no one to replace him. Im sorry & i dont want to be rude but how is that anything to do with me. When I ring the office they answer & then hang up by slamming phone down. I understand people are busy but not too busy to pick up the phone & slam it down..

Ill be evicted or in jail by the time it comes through. Anyone any advice apart from going down & causing a scene? Im very frustrated now TBH.

Xander82 · 12-01-2010 12:29pm

I'm now waiting 19 weeks. I had means test a month ago. I ring up the office and ask and they tell me they can do nothing that I need to wait. I go in to the office and the same thing. What can I do now? I thought getting the means test over with and approved would mean I'd get my money that they owe me???

Mola1 · 12-01-2010 11:10pm

:eek: I think I spoke too soon!! Went upto social office in Ballybofey,Donegal today to sign and as i got a letter to say I had to apply for JSA as my stamps was finishing i asked them how long I had left, the lady in there said 8 days she says "thats 6 plus another 4" and said it twice before I corrected her!! Then she told me that she would soon forward my application onto their main donegal office were they can decide when to process it, even though I applied over two weeks ago:mad: they seem to have had my application layin in the office since then, i asked her what happens if its not through when my JSB finishes to which she replies "well your not on one parent are you!" as in to say get him to support you, along with the mortgage etc his money alone just isnt enough, duno what il do if its not processed in time

people in those offices really annoy me!

mindymar · 20-01-2010 11:25am

Just got a letter from social welfare office in dun laoghaire, i applied for JSB in sept, it was denied end of oct, i appealed straight away and just got a letter in post yesterday saying ot show up at office tomorrow morning re JSB but no indication of what that's about. Does this mean they're going to let me sign on?
Anyone have any experience of appeals interviews and what they involve?

tommy21 · 20-01-2010 6:01pm

mindymar wrote: »

Just got a letter from social welfare office in dun laoghaire, i applied for JSB in sept, it was denied end of oct, i appealed straight away and just got a letter in post yesterday saying ot show up at office tomorrow morning re JSB but no indication of what that's about. Does this mean they're going to let me sign on?
Anyone have any experience of appeals interviews and what they involve?

Sounds to me like they want to hear your appeal out, as in the reasons why you are appealing in person, probably in the format of a quick interview behind closed doors as oppossed to at a hatch. I think if it were confirmation of a successful appeal, they would just confirm that by letter. Hope I'm wrong and even if it is as I think, you may get it yet. What do others think? Best of luck op/.

Magenta · 20-01-2010 6:50pm

I really wish mine would come, I'm only waiting 4 weeks including Christmas but I really need the money.

suitseir · 21-01-2010 10:14am

baxterfly wrote: »

I applied March 30th for jobseekers benefit. I was told 4 to 5 weeks.
Now today I was told it would be around another 3 weeks. Im not even means tested.

THe woman in the SW office also said they were understaffed. Of course they are. So it looks like around 7 weeks before I get anything. This is in Kilbarrack, Dublin.

If they are understaffed, then why don't you suggest that you would be interested in applying for a job there, if you have office experience. Why not? I know I would and it would show them that you are interested in further work. It cannot be that complicated as it is fairly repetitive work!

suitseir · 21-01-2010 10:22am

mindymar wrote: »

Just got a letter from social welfare office in dun laoghaire, i applied for JSB in sept, it was denied end of oct, i appealed straight away and just got a letter in post yesterday saying ot show up at office tomorrow morning re JSB but no indication of what that's about. Does this mean they're going to let me sign on?
Anyone have any experience of appeals interviews and what they involve?

Many years ago in another lifetime, I was refused JSB, although it had a different title then! I was working in the financial sector at the time and there was a redundancy package and by and large, the general feeling was, we should not be getting any benefit, even though we had been paying into the system for years and years. I appealed it and went before a 3 person panel. I presented myself well because I came prepared. I had it all down on paper, how long I was contributing, why I was made redundant, and that I was very proactive in seeking more work and training.

If you have been contributing to the system, you have every right to appeal. But present yourself well, be composed and speak up for yourself, without losing the head, and don't wimper....they need to know they are dealing with someone who is very capable and to them, will look like being very employable in the near future. They don't want a fight on their hands. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

eth0_ · 24-01-2010 4:52pm

suitseir wrote: »

If they are understaffed, then why don't you suggest that you would be interested in applying for a job there, if you have office experience. Why not? I know I would and it would show them that you are interested in further work. It cannot be that complicated as it is fairly repetitive work!

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes: It's a civil service job, you'd have to apply to them to be put on a panel of potential staff if a position was made available.

As for myself, I signed on at the start of November on a Thursday, had my first payment the following Wednesday.

JSA / JSB Waiting times Survey

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