Do I sign on after JB?

Hi

My JB finished in July and I have been refused JA.

I have sent an Appeal to The SWAO (Social Welfare Appeals Office)

SW have made a lot of errors on my claims from Day 1 and have given out the wrong information to me.

Now they tell me I cannot sign on because I am not in receipt of JA.

Is this true?

Where will I be in the system if I get a job next year but become unemployed again in the future?

My understanding was that I should be signing on to keep up tax credits.

Any help is much appreciated.

Thank you

You can sign on to get credits towards your state pension in the future but you must make a claim to do so just as you did for Jobseekers Benefit. The fact that you have an appeal in for Jobseekers Allowance may also keep you in credit while its being assessed but you would be best confirming that with Social Welfare. As far as tax credits are concerned you need to go to the Tax Office. www.revenue.ie

Thanks for your reply Ann.

In the letter I got disallowing JA they told me to contact the office about signing on.

Subsequently got a cheque for arrears they owed me and a note attached saying my sign on date was 25th Aug. Letter received by me on 25th.

Called on the phone but couldn't get through so went to the office to speak with someone.

The person I spoke to didn't know about my claim as the person dealing with it was off sick. However she asked me to sign the Green form (sign on form).

Next day person dealing with my claim phoned me back as I had another query on it but when I asked her should I sign on she said No.

To be honest I'm so confused I didn't understand her explanation.

I'm now worried I'm not keeping up my tax credits.

I would go back to the Social Welfare office and take the letter with you that requested you to sign on. Ask them to explain how you will stay in credit if you are not signing on. I am sure its because they are still processing your appeal. All in all they have processed your JA very quickly. I know of people who lost their JB without any notice at all (due to budget change). One person I have spoken with finished JB in July and has been given an appointment to be assessed for JA in November. They are not required to sign on in the meantime.

You can and should sign on for credits after your JB exhausts and should call in and ask for a supervisor, explaining all the confusion, telling them you wish to ensure that you are getting credited contributions while awaiting appeal result. even if you lose appeal, keep signing for creidts as they are vital to maintain future possible benefit entitlemetns and pension rights.

There are many new staff in SW offices who haven't much knowledge of the complicated system that SW is, and are getting little training due to pressures in offices. TBH, its a mess and your patience will be needed! SW is at breaking point.

thanks very much for your replies.

I will write to them I think and put in a copy of the letter they sent me.

It is evident SW are under strain and have been for a very long time.

Very hard situation for them and the public.