Diary of a benefit claimant.

Its disgraceful how they deal with genuine claimants whilst every Tom Dick and Harry that arrives in the UK illegally seems to get instant action ! After paying when you were asked, you should be entitled to fast track your application .......is there any organisation that can help with a benefits claim ? I am sure nowadays there must be ...ask Citizens Advice ...you should not be suffering mental stress because of this ! I feel so sorry for you and hope it gets sorted soon

ALANaV

Its disgraceful how they deal with genuine claimants whilst every Tom Dick and Harry that arrives in the UK illegally seems to get instant action ! After paying when you were asked, you should be entitled to fast track your application .......is there any organisation that can help with a benefits claim ? I am sure nowadays there must be ...ask Citizens Advice ...you should not be suffering mental stress because of this ! I feel so sorry for you and hope it gets sorted soon

Firstly, that is a complete myth. If you are an illegal immigrant, you can't claim benefits. You will get a small allowance but not a massive amount, nothing like UC. Whilst waiting for settle status, you are absolutely forbidden to work.

People coming legally into this country, even British people returning from abroad, may not have the right to claim benefits for 3 months. It is a very complex system, too complex, and often unfair, but also open to misunderstandings, mistakes and abuse. Worse than those are the many cases of injustice, which the Tribunals do strive to overcome. But putting forward misleading beliefs as facts does not help anyone.

I had to fight for ten months for an operation and found the endless delays, incompetence, intransigence and so on were often 'helped' by an inquiry as to how to put in a complaint. This was the NHS and so I expect a similar result would follow with the UC people.

I'm back from the job centre, and can't praise the young woman highly enough for her empathy and kindness.
She was so, so lovely.
She isn't specifically "my" person, though.

I will need to speak to him next week.
She just confirmed my identity and is arranging the next appointment.
She couldn't have been any kinder - what an asset she is.

Oh I’m so pleased to read your comment MissA and I’m hoping that “your” person will be just as helpful when you meet him next week. ?

It’s always been my experience that a) you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar and b) that most staff at Job Centres are trying to do a very difficult job with kindness and good will.

MissAdventure

I'm back from the job centre, and can't praise the young woman highly enough for her empathy and kindness.
She was so, so lovely.
She isn't specifically "my" person, though.

I will need to speak to him next week.
She just confirmed my identity and is arranging the next appointment.
She couldn't have been any kinder - what an asset she is.

I'm pleased to read your post.

They're not all cold and obstructive. ?

I hope my person is equally as nice, too.
It's to be a phone appointment, arranged by the young lady today, and she is going to write and send me a reminder, as she could see I'm a bit lot overwhelmed with it all.

So glad the person was kind

So glad to hear that your experience today was so good, MissAdventure, and I hope that this continues. I do agree that job centre employees ( not terribly well paid) often do a demanding job as well as they can

Watch this space.

So pleased things went well today MissA. You deserve it.

Ooh thank you.

Pleased you had a successful appointment today MissA ?

Thank you.
At least it is a start.
Some way to go yet, but I'm so relieved. (And skint!)

Glad to hear you’re feeling more optimistic now MissA about all of this. About time something went right for you. You have enough going on health wise you don’t need to add more anxiety to the mix.

Such good news MissA. So glad you had a sympathetic person at your interview. Everything crossed for that phone call.?

Thanks all.

My interview with the job coach is tomorrow.
The CAB advisor was very clear that I will be pushed to agree to training courses (which I don't need) and regular interviews with the coach (which I'm too unwell to attend)

She told me I must not be pressured to agree, as I will obviously have to breach the terms, and will then be sanctioned and my claim closed, probably.
I havent had any money yet, so am overdrawn and incurring charges, but tomorrow I may be considered for a loan of roughly £350, if I am found to qualify for universal credit.
It is a 5 week minimum for it to start if I am allowed universal credit.

I'm not looking forward to this interview at all, as this is the person who phoned on the wrong day, at the wrong time, then didn't phone as agreed, and then questioned what I was doing in 2017.

Watch this space, I will update.

Again, I am going to expect the best and keep my fingers crossed.

Very best of luck MissA.

A relative of mine has had similar experiences to you, over many years. The CAB lady is absolutely right.

Thank you, FarNorth.

Good luck MissA we are all with you.

Good luck, do stay strong.

Wishing you the best result ?