help claiming JSA

[hazelb]

what help is available to claim jsa?
A young man with learning difficulties who lives close by has been trying to make a claim but the job centre plus has told him that he can only make a claim via the telephone this he cannot do, his local office does not seem to want to help him.
Does anyone out there know how the system works and how we can help this young man get help he needs down at his local Job centre office.

[Lozferatu]

If I was a relative I would go to the office and raise hell!
Seriously though, perhaps ask Citizens Advice for some pointers on services available. In my town we have a voluntary service called Advocacy Alliance. They can sort this kind of thing out and more. Maybe there is a similar service near you?

[Buenchico]

If you're prepared to invite the young man into your home, you might be able to make a claim online:
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/eservice/

Alternatively, Mencap should be able to help. The telephone numbers for Mencap's helplines are here:
http://www.mencap.org.uk/html/easytoread/info_ and_advice3.asp

Chris

[THECORBYLOON]

He has been given incorrect advice by his local Jobcentre Plus (JCP) office. Although JCP prefer it if a claim is made by 'phoning a contact centre, a request for a clerical claim can not be refused., there are situations such as folk wi hearing or language difficulties being unable to make the claim over the 'phone.

He, or someone on his behalf should contact the local JCP and ask to speak to a First Contact Officer and explain the situation. A face to face interview can be arranged which will speed up the process rather than waiting for a clerical claim to be sent out, completed and returned.

Whether the claim is made by clerical claim or face to face, you must make sure that a request for backdating is made and detail the previous requests made for a claim as that will ensure any benefit awarded is paid from the earlier date.

If they still insist on a claim being made through the Contact Centre, ask to speak to the Manager.

[Jenga]

All job centres have telephones in them. The guys on the desk tell you to go to the telephone and press a pre-programmed number which gets you to the office which makes you an appointment.

[Senga 2]

Most Job Centres have a Disability Employment Advisor. I work with people who have Learning Difficulties supporting them to find employment and every DEA i have worked with has been very helpful. If the young man goes into his local JC and asks he should be given an appointment with the DEA who will offer support and help with forms, job seeking etc. good luck