In thinking that Jobcentre Plus actually WANT me to remain on benefits?

[DeloresJaneUmbridge]

FFS!

It is honestly a good day because I am signing off of benefits finally after three difficult years.

But bloody hell I have now been on hold for over 20 mins trying to tell someone they no longer need to pay me income support, housing and council tax benefit.

Grrr!

Some years ago we claimed tax credits for a short period of time. Trying to tell them we didn't want them anymore was like bashing your head against a brick wall. But congratulations!

I went to the job centre whilst on income support for the lady to say to my face 'don't bother getting a job, you'll be much worse off'. I have now found a job (and no I am not worse off!) to start later this month.. they do make it difficult though as no back to work support other than HB run on. I have to wait a month and a half to get paid so now lending money to buy essentials.

That can be a real issue, Mummy - it must keep a lot of people on benefits, I imagine.

We were overpaid CTC and the following year told them take 100% of that award to repay the over payments. They said they will take 50%. I said, no, I want to pay it back ASAP. They sent me a form for 'financial hardship' in order to change the rate we were paying them back. It was a ridiculous form clearly meant for when you want to reduce what you are paying back. So I ignored it, and every month did an online transfer back to them in order to 'overpay' it back. A total farce!

I remember arguing with them about going for a job interview. The woman in the job centre seemed to think I should tell prospective employees that I couldn't attend a job interview because it clashed with my sign on day.

Finally got through....25mins.

However I am now officially off of benefits

when i was a single mother, i was on benefits, i got a job paying about $100 a week more than the benefits and called to say cut me off as i have a job, i had to go through all my info and they said ummmm no you are not earning enough to go off benefits!!!!! i replied with but they give me more money than you do???? they still refused to cut me off!! i had to fight to have it cut off, in the end i said ok you can give me the benefits still but i want it on record that ive asked you to stop and you have refused to do so and if you suddenly decide i cant have that money and you want it paid back that i will not have to pay it back because you are giving me it against my will and i now consider it "free" money, they agreed to stop the benefit :)