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Confusion over Hardship Payments

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Hello everyone, I really need your help here!

I have been claiming JSA for several months now, and my Personal Adviser has been forcing me to apply for jobs which are simply unsuitable to me, like temporary and part-time jobs, and in places that are miles away (I don't drive.) Of course, if I refuse to apply for these positions, I will be sanctioned, since I will be in breach of my—in my mind, unfair and unreasonable—Jobseeker's Agreement.

All things considered, I would prefer to claim Hardship Payments, and search for work under my own terms. But I have some questions over the benefit:

1. Will I apply for the benefit? I have no other income and no savings, and nor does anyone else in my household.
2. How long can I remain on Hardship Payments? Or do I have to keep reapplying every two weeks?
3. How do I go about claiming them? Do I have to be sanctioned first?
4. Is it true that if I have a long term-illness, and can produce a doctor's note to that effect, I will receive a higher payment?

Thank you in advance!

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