Hi
Ive been out of work and claiming JSA on and off for the past 4 years.
I lost my job in 2009 and claimed just JSA for 6 months, then tried to set up a mobile hair dressing business and set up self employed claiming tax credits (failed miserably), then I moved in with my step sister for 18 months (claiming nothing), then was totally fed up so I moved to a different area and set up self employed again and had another go at the hairdressing briefly for 4 months (not claiming anything), then claimed JSA and housing benefit for 10 months.
It was at this point (2 years ago now) that I got a letter from a Customer Compliance Officer asking me to go in for an interview and was told it was 'a full review.' When I went in she asked me for statements from 3 bank accounts that were closed years before, and I told her as such. I closed my claim as only a week before my ex partner had given me some money to 'get off benefits and use it wisely to sort your life out', compliance wasnt aware of this (so my interview wasn't about that), and I closed my claim and asked 'is that it then?' and was told 'yes, unless you make a claim in future.'
Since then Ive been drinking a lot and basically wasting so much time idling my life away. (In hindsight the money my ex gave me was a hindrance not a blessing), I havent claimed any benefits since then or worked, as Ive just been living off the money my ex gave me.
However, Im now realising that I am a 33 year old ex alcoholic with no man, no children, no house (I rent) and no job and what a complete mess my life is. I've stopped drinking and Im determined this year to put things right - starting with getting a job, and for the first time in ages Im frantically filling in application forms, firing off emails and thinking long and hard about a career.
I need the support of the Jobcentre for CV advice, interviews etc. as its been so long, and as Ive been unemployed so long Id love to get onto their Work Programme (which I am eligible for), and take advantage of everything theyve got to help me get a job and get some dignity back. I phoned all my local Work Programmes who told me I have to be claiming JSA and I need a referral from the Jobcentre to go, so with that in mind I made a claim for JSA.
I've since had a letter from the DWP saying I am not entitled to JSA (I havent had any money or anything yet), and when I phoned them to find out why I'm not entitled I was told my claim has been suspended until they have further information and I am due a HOME Visit from a Customer Compliance Officer. The woman wouldn't tell me anymore than that, other than to 'wait for the letter with the date of the visit.'
Im so worried now. I feel like Ive wasted so many years and I want to put things right. And since Ive made this claim I have tons of evidence of my job searches I can show them - its all I do till 1-2 am every day. Basically I dont want to be a loser anymore!
Do you think this Home Visit will be something to do with the Customer Compliance before? And if so, why was it just left before and now theyre looking into it again? Surely if Id had done something wrong before they would have chased it up regardless of me closing my claim or not?
And why have I been selected for a Home Visit? And not called into the office? Are Home Visits more serious?
And what if they decide Im guilty of something? Would they just cancel my claim or could I get charged with benefit fraud? Ive never worked on the side or anything, Ive hurt myself more than anyone else these past lost years.
I feel like just cancelling my claim as I hate the thought of having someone round my house and its really going to stress me and for what, £60 a week is it? (I don't even know the amount you get), I really am most definitly not bothered about the money, the main thing is I just want to get on the Work Programme and take advantage of everything the Jobcentre has to offer to help me get a job ASAP. Also, Ive got nothing to hide and I want to clear my name because they clearly must think they have something on me.
Has anyone else had one of these Home Visits? If so what was it about and what was the outcome?
Im know I shouldn't be but I can't help being very worried!
Many thanks, anna
Ive been out of work and claiming JSA on and off for the past 4 years.
I lost my job in 2009 and claimed just JSA for 6 months, then tried to set up a mobile hair dressing business and set up self employed claiming tax credits (failed miserably), then I moved in with my step sister for 18 months (claiming nothing), then was totally fed up so I moved to a different area and set up self employed again and had another go at the hairdressing briefly for 4 months (not claiming anything), then claimed JSA and housing benefit for 10 months.
It was at this point (2 years ago now) that I got a letter from a Customer Compliance Officer asking me to go in for an interview and was told it was 'a full review.' When I went in she asked me for statements from 3 bank accounts that were closed years before, and I told her as such. I closed my claim as only a week before my ex partner had given me some money to 'get off benefits and use it wisely to sort your life out', compliance wasnt aware of this (so my interview wasn't about that), and I closed my claim and asked 'is that it then?' and was told 'yes, unless you make a claim in future.'
Since then Ive been drinking a lot and basically wasting so much time idling my life away. (In hindsight the money my ex gave me was a hindrance not a blessing), I havent claimed any benefits since then or worked, as Ive just been living off the money my ex gave me.
However, Im now realising that I am a 33 year old ex alcoholic with no man, no children, no house (I rent) and no job and what a complete mess my life is. I've stopped drinking and Im determined this year to put things right - starting with getting a job, and for the first time in ages Im frantically filling in application forms, firing off emails and thinking long and hard about a career.
I need the support of the Jobcentre for CV advice, interviews etc. as its been so long, and as Ive been unemployed so long Id love to get onto their Work Programme (which I am eligible for), and take advantage of everything theyve got to help me get a job and get some dignity back. I phoned all my local Work Programmes who told me I have to be claiming JSA and I need a referral from the Jobcentre to go, so with that in mind I made a claim for JSA.
I've since had a letter from the DWP saying I am not entitled to JSA (I havent had any money or anything yet), and when I phoned them to find out why I'm not entitled I was told my claim has been suspended until they have further information and I am due a HOME Visit from a Customer Compliance Officer. The woman wouldn't tell me anymore than that, other than to 'wait for the letter with the date of the visit.'
Im so worried now. I feel like Ive wasted so many years and I want to put things right. And since Ive made this claim I have tons of evidence of my job searches I can show them - its all I do till 1-2 am every day. Basically I dont want to be a loser anymore!
Do you think this Home Visit will be something to do with the Customer Compliance before? And if so, why was it just left before and now theyre looking into it again? Surely if Id had done something wrong before they would have chased it up regardless of me closing my claim or not?
And why have I been selected for a Home Visit? And not called into the office? Are Home Visits more serious?
And what if they decide Im guilty of something? Would they just cancel my claim or could I get charged with benefit fraud? Ive never worked on the side or anything, Ive hurt myself more than anyone else these past lost years.
I feel like just cancelling my claim as I hate the thought of having someone round my house and its really going to stress me and for what, £60 a week is it? (I don't even know the amount you get), I really am most definitly not bothered about the money, the main thing is I just want to get on the Work Programme and take advantage of everything the Jobcentre has to offer to help me get a job ASAP. Also, Ive got nothing to hide and I want to clear my name because they clearly must think they have something on me.
Has anyone else had one of these Home Visits? If so what was it about and what was the outcome?
Im know I shouldn't be but I can't help being very worried!
Many thanks, anna