I Broke Down in Tears

[chrissa1]

I visited the Job Centre yesterday to claim Job Seekers Allowance and I'm afraid I broke down in tears when we were discussing how long I could claim as I am a month away from claiming my pension and because my husband died in February, it all got a bit much for me.
I've just had a phonecall from the JC and the lady said they had been discussing my case "upstairs" and I don't need to claim JSA and they felt it would be awful for me to have to sign on for such a short length of time. They told me about all the Benefits that could claim and were So nice.
I thought that it was a very kind and caring thing of them to do.

[Old_Geezer]

Good for them.

[B00]

How nice of them.

If you can't claim JSA though, are there other other things you're entitled to get instead?

I really really hope things improve for you chrissa xxxx

[ummmm]

Some people are lovely. Sometimes it's their kindness that makes you cry. When my Dad was sick I was doing all the phone calls regarding what benefits he was entitled to. I lost count of how many times I broke down on the phone. They were so kind...which made me more emotional...

You're a brave woman chrissa xx

[Bobbisox]

Chrissa I am pleased we have seen such compassion, you don't need stress after what you have been through

[anneasquith]

in your circumstances, chrissa, any other decision would have been cruel, i hope you can soon get " things" fixed out.

[chrissa1]

Yes, I was very touched this morning.

[ummmm]

It's just a horrible way to remember how nice people can be..

[B00]

ummmm raises a good point really.

Isn't it a bit sad that we're only ever nice to people (in general) when they are suffering in some way?

[chrissa1]

Well I thought that the "system" was just a huge box ticking exercise but I've been proved wrong. People Care!!

[Dee Sa]

Its nice when things turn around in your favour, I hope you will enjoy your retirement, though it will take a while to get used to it.Good luck for the future.
Dee

[perose]

Nice to hear that there are some humans out there. Good luck.

[albaqwerty]

Oh Chrissa, it goes some way in restoring faith in human nature.

Hope you and family are coping as best as possible xx

[merciasounds]

Aww, so sorry you got upset love. You shouldn't have been put through that ordeal in the first place if you ask me, not for just a month.

[chrissa1]

Thanks all.

[boxtops]

Chrissa thanks, you've had such a difficult time lately, so good to hear that something's really gone in your favour this time.

[LoftyLottie]

I have worked in a Job Centre and we were all caring. There are rules and regulations but it didn't mean we had to agree with them. We got so much abuse.

I am so glad Chrissa that you had such nice treatment.

Nice to see you joining us quite regularly and wish you well x

[wolf63]

Like Lottie I spent some time working in what is now Job Centre Plus and I always tried to be nice to people.

I can't say that I always 'managed' to be nice to people though - some of them would drive a Saint insane.

I hope that this is another hurdle that you have crossed on your attempt to get your life back to some sort of normality.

Susan

[askyourgran]

I have just spent the weekend with my friend who has recently been widowed, she was in exactly the same position as you are. She was overcome with emotion having to sort her pension out with them on her own. Not having much money she was afraid of not getting enough to live on. She said they were very kind and considerate to her and explained what help she could get.

[starone]

Thank goodness there are some people with a bit of sense and compassion. When I couldn't speak for crying I eventually said to the lady "I expect you are used to this" and she said "I never get used to it". So most people are very kind.

[chrissa1]

Yes, it's good to hear that my treatment seems to be the norm.