Job Seekers Benefit- when is it awarded from

[MandaC]

I was made redundant from my job on 18th July and had another job starting on 5th August. I was told I was eligible for jobseekers benefit and said, sure it will pay part of the mortgage for the month because I would be getting no wages from 18th July until the end of August. I did not know where to sign on on the Monday so went in on the Tuesday morning and gave everything in. Never heard anything since.

I got a letter today to say I have been awarded job seekers benefit from 25th July. Why is that? On the back of the form it says there are 3 waiting days (why?) but I still dont follow. Now it does say underneath (we will issue any arrears not included in your first payment shortly), so maybe there is more to follow.

I am sorry I bothered as it was a lot of hassle and I had to drive two towns away to get it. Also, I tried to ring them to sign off (could not get through), so I sent them a letter, which they dont appear to have dealt with either!

Also, it says to collect this every Wednesday starting from tomorrow in my local post office - I am working miles away so cant get there tomorrow - does anyone know if it is only there on the day, or can I get it on Saturday?

I will try to ring them from the office tomorrow, but they dont answer their phone usually - actually might be better sending a fax.

 

[gipimann]

The rules of Jobseeker's Benefit state that no payment is made for the first 3 days of the claim (the waiting days referred to), if you are signing on directly from employment.

You made your claim on Tuesday 22nd July, and the 3 waiting days bring you to Friday 25th which is the first day you can be paid from.

Payments do remain at post offices for a few days - if the payment day is Wednesday (i.e. today, 20th), the payment will be available until next Tuesday, at which time An Post send it back to the Dept of Social & Family Affairs. So you'll be able to pick it up on Saturday.

Arrears of Jobseeker's Benefit are usually held until the Dept check whether you made a claim for Supplementary Welfare Allowance at your local Health Centre - if you didn't, then they'll pay whatever you're due from 25th July till you signed off.

 

[MandaC]

It does refer to waiting days. What exactly are you waiting for? Divine Inspiration? What is the thinking behind that. Its not an issue for me thankfully, but I would hate to be in the position where I could not afford to be without income for even three days.

Maybe thats where the supplementary welfare officer comes in.

Ah I checked the letter that payment will be in the post office on 21st and then every Wednesday after that. Though I will only be getting one payment on it.