JSA / JSB Waiting times Survey

Morzadec · 24-01-2010 7:45pm

I've been waiting 7 months, (working part-time, but only earning roughly 400e a month).

Started a thread about it on here. Never thought it could take this long. If anyone has any advice about anythinh I may be able to speed this up it'd be much appreciated

MeerKat17 · 28-01-2010 1:07am

I applied for JA in Galway in august, I finally got my interview and means test on the 21st December, and I am due to get my first payment on Friday.
5 MONTHS waiting!:mad::eek::(

Sitec · 29-01-2010 11:27pm

I applied for JSA today and getting a full weeks dole on Wedneday. I was extremely surprized how fast it was. In KK by the way.

moggie4000 · 31-01-2010 10:48pm

Hey ,

I am on JSB at the moment and come off it next September. What happens then, do i need to apply for JSA or do the social welfare notify me, obviously thats if i don't get a job in the mean time?

Also, the means test - how does it operate, what do they take into account etc? Would like to hear from someone who has been through the means test.

Cheers

Moggie

poppet84 · 02-02-2010 7:39pm

My JSB took 1 week to processand collected it thenext week! This was in Dublin!! I was very shocked!!

Yeh, I think they send you a letter just before JSB runs out.The means test is about what you have in your savings, they look at bank statements, other halves/parents income if you live together etc!Haven't been through it myself though!

Celly Smunt · 03-02-2010 6:42pm

12 days in tallaght! 5 star public sector service!

bigmom3 · 17-02-2010 2:53pm

I am waiting since July to receive anything from the Social welfare. I have been asked for everything including a years amount of bank statements and two profit and loss accounts for my husband who is unfortunately self-employed. We have 3 small kids and I have worked up until I had the children. To be honest we couldn't afford child minders and to run to vehiles. It is rediculous. The goverment cut childs allowance increase cost of living and won't help out when people are trying to go through the proper channels.:mad: We are based in Mayo.

AnnyHallsal · 18-02-2010 6:23pm

Social Welfare Office: Bishop's St
Social Welfare Payment: JSA - casual
Application Date: 2 Dec 09
Date informed of means test appointment, if applicable*: 4 Jan
Date of means test appointment: 8 Jan
Weeks from Application to Payment: Still waiting after 11 weeks

crispsandwiches · 02-03-2010 2:58pm

any idea on delay between claim and receieving dole, visited by inspector in house in dec but still not heard anything yet as claim still with deciding officer!

Fighting Irish · 02-03-2010 8:21pm

I applied for dis allowance in Sep 09, i got a letter over xmas saying i would have to do an means interview and maybe a medical exam. I was called for the means interview on the 15th Feb, the woman who interviewed me said i would get a letter in the post.

Still waiting for the letter? Anyone got any times on how long it usually takes?

newmum09 · 05-03-2010 3:09pm

Was put on three day week last year from Apr-Jun. then was on Maternity leave until end of Dec. Was put back on three day on my return this Jan...so reapplyed for JSB on 4th jan. Was made redundant the end of Jan. Went back to SW office to inform them. Still no sign of payment and its been 2 and half months. Went in two weeks ago and was told I would have it last week but no sign...went in this week to ask could they give me an idea and she said no. Any idea how long more?? I am based in Drogheda??

AnnyHallsal · 05-03-2010 3:17pm

I had my means test with the inspector two months ago and still no sign. It seems to be something of a lucky dip - for some people a week, for others over six months. Hilariously, my CWO told me, with the best of intentions, that it isn't usually so difficult to get sorted out. From what I can gauge on boards many months is the norm.

Dempo1 · 06-03-2010 2:27am

I'm curious, some posters state they are waiting weeks/months etc without payments and money. Are people going to their local CWO while claims are being processed? my understanding is the CWO will arrange payments whilst claims are being processed, both in the case of JSB and JSA. Just curious!

AnnyHallsal · 06-03-2010 11:13am

It seems to depend upon the CWO. I was told by the welfare office I'm not a priority because I'm on the casual claims list. I earned 0 in January and 100 in February so that isn't much consolation. My CWO is giving me 85 a week towards my rent which still leaves me to make up the difference, over 100 a month more. She was out one day a payment didn't go through and her replacement urged me to come back the next day and get her to set up the dole payment until they were sorted. She wouldn't hear of it though. In a couple of weeks if things don't change I'm going to be down to my final euro and will have to insist. It's not fair that you're at the mercy of the personality of the officer.

Dempo1 · 06-03-2010 11:48am

Thats pretty shocking, given your paying rent i assume your not living at home so therefore it does not appear you are dependent on parents, their incomes etc, i am also assuming you are not married so your husbands income is also not being taking into consideration. How long are you unemployed? and i have never heard of a non priority application. I obviously don't want to know your entire circumstances but it seems very odd the CWO is not giving you supplementary welfare allowance whilst your claim is being processed, in addition i am also amazed she is giving you what appears to be a very high proportion of your rent. Have you considered going to the citizens information bureau?

AnnyHallsal · 06-03-2010 11:56am

Dempo1 wrote: »

Thats pretty shocking, given your paying rent i assume your not living at home so therefore it does not appear you are dependent on parents, their incomes etc, i am also assuming you are not married so your husbands income is also not being taking into consideration. How long are you unemployed? and i have never heard of a non priority application. I obviously don't want to know your entire circumstances but it seems very odd the CWO is not giving you supplementary welfare allowance whilst your claim is being processed, in addition i am also amazed she is giving you what appears to be a very high proportion of your rent. Have you considered going to the citizens information bureau?

Not living at home, completely independent as the recession has hit the rest of the family too, and single. I only went to the welfare office when my savings were running out, as I saw it as a last resort. Thanks very much for the advice. At the end of the month when my savings are all but gone I'll do my homework and go back to her. I'll have no choice, anyway.

Harpic · 10-03-2010 3:15pm

My JSB is finishing up in the next month or so.Still no job yet.
I am assuming they will write to me about JSA.

I have money from my redundancy payout left.Its not a huge amount but it has helped me over the year.

How strict is the means test for JSA? How much of your earnings do they take into account?

Any info would be great

Cheers

AnnyHallsal · 10-03-2010 3:19pm

You can have savings of up to 20,000 euro and still be eligible.

Dempo1 · 10-03-2010 4:14pm

Harpic wrote: »

My JSB is finishing up in the next month or so.Still no job yet.
I am assuming they will write to me about JSA.

I have money from my redundancy payout left.Its not a huge amount but it has helped me over the year.

How strict is the means test for JSA? How much of your earnings do they take into account?

Any info would be great

Cheers

Hi Harpic, similar situation re JSB running out in a month, unfortunately i don't have redundancy but luckily had Mortgage Payment protection. You should be grand from what i hear about the means test, the problem based on other threads is the waiting time and what to do for payments during this time. I am told not all social welfare office give notification on JSB running out, my office is a large one so i believe they will notify me, this said, I'm not taking the risk and going down next week to make inquiries. I believe you can go to the CWO for payment during the application process for JSA? anyone else have advice on this?

AnnyHallsal · 11-03-2010 12:35pm

Update. First contact with welfare office 30 Nov, means test interview 8 January. Got my letter confirming my eligibility today. So four months in all, two months after means test. Does anyone know how long the backdated payment and regular payments start coming through after receipt of the letter?

Dempo1 · 11-03-2010 12:57pm

AnnyHallsal wrote: »

Update. First contact with welfare office 30 Nov, means test interview 8 January. Got my letter confirming my eligibility today. So four months in all, two months after means test. Does anyone know how long the backdated payment and regular payments start coming through after receipt of the letter?

This must be a record, my god where are you living (Aran Islands, LOL)

Normally what happens is your first payment will contain arrears etc, it may be a week later, this said you are owed a substantial amount so they may divide it but doubtful.

I am curious if i may ask? did you not go to a CWO to get payments while your claim was being processed. You have me worried as my JSB runs out in a month, i now have to apply for JSA and there is not a hope in hell i could survive this length of time without some income?

AnnyHallsal · 11-03-2010 1:02pm

Thank you

Twas in the Bishop Square, Redmond Hill branch. Don't worry your CWO will definitely help you if you need it. I've been given my rent since January and had a little bit of savings to tide me over. It takes three days for the CWO's payment to come through so if you go to see them the Monday before you're stuck it will be in the post office Thursday.

Dempo1 · 11-03-2010 1:10pm

AnnyHallsal wrote: »

Thank you Twas in the Bishop Square, Redmond Hill branch. Don't worry your CWO will definitely help you if you need it. I've been given my rent since January and had a little bit of savings to tide me over. It takes three days for the CWO's payment to come through so if you go to see them the Monday before you're stuck it will be in the post office Thursday.

Phew, thats a relief, delighted you finally got sorted out. I have a small mortgage (thankfully) and am entitled to nothing. Its tough out there, almost 10 months unemployed now, first time since 1986, anyway enjoy your windfall when it arrives LOL:)

Fromvert · 11-03-2010 2:51pm

Finished a FAS course on the 19th of Feb,
Went to the welfare office on the 22nd,
Date of means test was 11th of March,
Will receive payment on the 16th of March.

Big difference to the 11 weeks I was waiting the first time around. And again the staff where brilliant.

dutchcat · 16-03-2010 3:22pm

do they call everybody for a means test inter view? 2 people i have spoken to say it was just processed through the post

AnnyHallsal · 16-03-2010 4:55pm

As far as I know, everyone meets an inspector - either in their house or in the office. Can't imagine otherwise.

eyesofvenus · 16-03-2010 5:00pm

AnnyHallsal wrote: »

As far as I know, everyone meets an inspector - either in their house or in the office. Can't imagine otherwise.

Why do you need to "meet" and inspecter after all the info you have to give via the application form? Seems like they could just kill two birds with one stone and have you apply for interview and do form there and then

AnnyHallsal · 16-03-2010 5:17pm

They want you to meet an inspector to verify your means. It's an interview, partially designed to ensure you're telling the truth I believe. You also often have to bring documents not included in the original applications, such as bank statements, wage slips. There has to be a certain amount of rigour.

CommDiver · 22-03-2010 12:21am

I appied on the 12th of November in Portlaoise and now it's the 21st of March and I have still not got anything. What can I do?

Dempo1 · 22-03-2010 2:01am

CommDiver wrote: »

I appied on the 12th of November in Portlaoise and now it's the 21st of March and I have still not got anything. What can I do?

This is horrendous! are you applying for JSA? is it your first claim? have you considered visiting your community welfare officer to arrange payment while your claim is being processed? I fear something is gone wrong with your claim and you need to check it out, this is an unbelievably long waiting period!

CommDiver · 22-03-2010 3:44pm

This is my second time, I've done everything gone to everyone but still nothing. I need my back pay as I just got offered a job but can't get to it as I do not have any money.

Xiney · 22-03-2010 3:48pm

have you been to your local cwo?

Dempo1 · 22-03-2010 3:49pm

Hi again,

I see where your coming from but have you had to survive with no payments for this lenght of time? did you not consider the CWO. I am not sure what happens if you sign off on finding a new job but assume you are entitled to arrears for the time you where waiting for your JSA claim to be processed. I suggest you get down to your local social welfare office quickly and honestly explain the situation, in one sense they will be happy you found work and may try and get your arrears to you ASAP! The CWO will only assist if your claim is pending or still live, if you sign off they can't help!

CommDiver · 22-03-2010 7:06pm

I've been to everyone, I even sent an email to my local T.D

Dempo1 · 23-03-2010 2:13am

CommDiver wrote: »

I've been to everyone, I even sent an email to my local T.D

This is ridiculous. Can you confirm

A. Have you been in receipt of any payments during your application
B. Where u applying for JSA or JSB (Unlikely to be JSB as its automatic if you have earned enough stamps through employment)
C. Why didn't you go to the CWO for emergency payment whilst your claim was being processed?

Its just bizarre you have gone for such a long time with no income and equally bizarre your claim is taking so long, despite the delays many people are facing, yours seems to be extreme.

As for TD's, forget about it, this matter can only be resolved by firstly going to the social welfare office, demanding an explanation as to the inordinate delays, followed by a visit to your local CWO, Based at most health centers, you will need to find out what day they sit.

nachoman · 23-03-2010 10:16am

Applied 8th January,
It's now 23 March.
little help.

Dempo1 · 23-03-2010 11:43am

nachoman wrote: »

Applied 8th January,
It's now 23 March.
little help.

Are you waiting for JSA?, if your in receipt of no payments at the moment, get into see your local community welfare officer, based at most health centers, you will need to find out when they sit. They should be able to give you payment as long as your application has commenced, they can check this on their systems.

Curious, are you living in a rural location or large town?

nachoman · 23-03-2010 11:47am

Dempo1 wrote: »

Are you waiting for JSA?, if your in receipt of no payments at the moment, get into see your local community welfare officer, based at most health centers, you will need to find out when they sit. They should be able to give you payment as long as your application has commenced, they can check this on their systems.

Curious, are you living in a rural location or large town?

I had just completed a fas course, so I dunno about JSA, and i'm living in the suburbs of dublin.
(thanks for the advice).

Dempo1 · 23-03-2010 11:56am

nachoman wrote: »

I had just completed a fas course, so I dunno about JSA, and i'm living in the suburbs of dublin.
(thanks for the advice).

It may be that because you were on a fas course, this replaced your claim, i understand you can not get JSA when doing certain FAS courses, instead FAS pay an allowance as such. You need to get down to the social welfare office now your course as ended to find out what is the status of your JSA claim.

If you are living at home with no dependents your claim may not be considered priority but do check this out! The CWO will normally only assist with emergency cases, for example people paying rent, mortgages etc

nachoman · 23-03-2010 12:12pm

Dempo1 wrote: »

It may be that because you were on a fas course, this replaced your claim, i understand you can not get JSA when doing certain FAS courses, instead FAS pay an allowance as such. You need to get down to the social welfare office now your course as ended to find out what is the status of your JSA claim.

If you are living at home with no dependents your claim may not be considered priority but do check this out! The CWO will normally only assist with emergency cases, for example people paying rent, mortgages etc

I'll do that thanks

newmum09 · 23-03-2010 12:33pm

Applied to SWO on 5th Jan for JSB as put on 3day week, made redundant on 27th Jan, went to office to tell them that I was made redundant and gave letter as proof until i got my P45.
Only got p45 start of March so brought it in to office.
Its now been over 12 weeks and still no sign.
Have big mortgage,bills and loans to pay and we cant survive on husbands salary alone,
we both just managed on both salaries with what was left at end of month used to pay childcare.
Last time in SWO office asked about Supp Welfar All and was told because husband was earning that we were not eligable even though we cannot manage...have used all savings now and if SW does not come in next two weeks were are in real trouble
HELP!!! Being applying for jobs but no luck at all at wits end noe

Dempo1 · 23-03-2010 12:46pm

newmum09 wrote: »

Applied to SWO on 5th Jan for JSB as put on 3day week, made redundant on 27th Jan, went to office to tell them that I was made redundant and gave letter as proof until i got my P45.
Only got p45 start of March so brought it in to office.
Its now been over 12 weeks and still no sign.
Have big mortgage,bills and loans to pay and we cant survive on husbands salary alone,
we both just managed on both salaries with what was left at end of month used to pay childcare.
Last time in SWO office asked about Supp Welfar All and was told because husband was earning that we were not eligable even though we cannot manage...have used all savings now and if SW does not come in next two weeks were are in real trouble
HELP!!! Being applying for jobs but no luck at all at wits end noe

Morning New Mum, sorry to hear about your situation, i appreciate where your coming from. My understanding of your situation is that the SWO may technically be correct however i am assuming you are applying for JSB based on redundancy and years of work. If this is the case, you are not means tested as you have earned the stamps required and eventually you will get substantial arrears for the weeks you have not recieved any payments. I believe it is worth while going to see your CWO in local health center and explain your circumstances. Based on the fact your claim is being processed, the CWO Will have this info on their system. I agree with the point about your husband earning but given your situation the CWO can be flexible. Its a difficult thing to do but i feel you have no alternative. You will need to find out what day the CWO sits at your local health center and bring along as much info as possible including ID.

CommDiver · 23-03-2010 3:31pm

Dempo1 wrote: »

This is ridiculous. Can you confirm

A. Have you been in receipt of any payments during your application
B. Where u applying for JSA or JSB (Unlikely to be JSB as its automatic if you have earned enough stamps through employment)
C. Why didn't you go to the CWO for emergency payment whilst your claim was being processed?

Its just bizarre you have gone for such a long time with no income and equally bizarre your claim is taking so long, despite the delays many people are facing, yours seems to be extreme.

As for TD's, forget about it, this matter can only be resolved by firstly going to the social welfare office, demanding an explanation as to the inordinate delays, followed by a visit to your local CWO, Based at most health centers, you will need to find out what day they sit.

I have not been getting any payments, I've had to rely on my family for help. I had a meeting with a inspector today and she requested afew things which i have given to her. now I must wait for it to be sent back to kilkenny and see what they have to say. I have also gone to CWO and the woman there was so rude and she also request even more paper work from me that I already supplied in the first place. I've had to put a job on hold because I cant get there and I'm worried I might lose the job.

Fionn MacCool · 23-03-2010 4:54pm

I applied on the 8th Feb and still have not had my claim processed. I might understand a small bit if it wasn't for the fact I was only re-signing and the guy in the SW told me that after my interview they'd pretty much be able to give me money there and then. Absolutely ****ing ridicuolous. I just rang them there (they actually picked up, for the first time since my claim started) and she said 2-3 weeks. I will be evicted before that, thanks a bunch guys.

Dempo1 · 23-03-2010 5:22pm

Fionn MacCool wrote: »

I applied on the 8th Feb and still have not had my claim processed. I might understand a small bit if it wasn't for the fact I was only re-signing and the guy in the SW told me that after my interview they'd pretty much be able to give me money there and then. Absolutely ****ing ridicuolous. I just rang them there (they actually picked up, for the first time since my claim started) and she said 2-3 weeks. I will be evicted before that, thanks a bunch guys.

I really don't understand whats going on out there, we are led to believe the CWO can arrange emergency payments for those awaiting claims to be processed, especially those who are just coming off JSB which i believe is thousands. Is it the case the CWO are refusing to help those is real dire need?

Fionn MacCool · 23-03-2010 5:27pm

I've got 2 payments of Supp Welfare now, 214 and 100 euro, but I'm still waiting on my 6 weeks back-date.

CommDiver · 23-03-2010 6:20pm

Fionn MacCool wrote: »

I've got 2 payments of Supp Welfare now, 214 and 100 euro, but I'm still waiting on my 6 weeks back-date.

Hi Fionn MacCool how long are you waiting on your back date?

Fionn MacCool · 23-03-2010 8:35pm

CommDiver wrote: »

Hi Fionn MacCool how long are you waiting on your back date?

Well my (repeat) claim started Feb 8th.

CommDiver · 23-03-2010 11:46pm

Fionn MacCool wrote: »

I applied on the 8th Feb and still have not had my claim processed. I might understand a small bit if it wasn't for the fact I was only re-signing and the guy in the SW told me that after my interview they'd pretty much be able to give me money there and then. Absolutely ****ing ridicuolous. I just rang them there (they actually picked up, for the first time since my claim started) and she said 2-3 weeks. I will be evicted before that, thanks a bunch guys.

I gave the inspector the papre work she wanted today, she said she will send it to Kilkenny. I'll ring them next week to see what is happening i need that back date soon or i can't take that job.

Dempo1 · 24-03-2010 12:15pm

Just to say an interesting post on thread "Is there an interview for JSA" this morning.

A Contributor just handed in a JSA application received after JSB ran out, it was handed in this morning (Dublin Office) and they were told it will be automatic, no interview required and no Letter for CWO required, the JSA should be processed in two weeks according to the SWO's receptionist.

I expressed surprise but delight if this is the case, especially that there was no interview required for means testing etc. May be i am wrong but judging from some horror stories contributors are facing, it would seem to me there is some sort of profiling going on. The contributor has straight forward enough circumstances.

JSA / JSB Waiting times Survey

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