They don't make it easy, do they?

[stupidgirl]

I posted in April about whether or not to instigate a NDLP meeting, which I did.

I went along and the meeting went well, the advisor was nice and friendly and I came away feeling quite positive. The advisor said that they got the kind of work I was looking for (care work) in all the time and they would let me know when something relevant turned up. Also she said she would give me a reference when I found something, as she did it quite frequently for clients.

Well, that was back in April and to this day she hasn't contacted me about any jobs.

I found something myself and gave her details as a referee. They contacted her and were told that she couldn't give me a reference, despite what she'd said. That jeopordised the job and delayed me starting.

Anyway, all well and good. I got the job, which started in July and I and informed all the relevant people to do with benefits. I was taken off income support in mid July (they wrote to me last week to tell me it was stopping...), they have suspended my housing benefit/council tax benefit which I have had to reclaim due to a change in circumstances. And I still haven't heard back about my tax credits. On top of all that there was a mix up at work last month which meant I didn't get paid. I have had no money in at all this week, other than child benefit. It's just all been a nightmare. I know the mix up at work isn't relevant, but 'the system' hardly makes it easy to get off benefits and start work, does it?

I think I'm going to change my job, when I can find something else (due to the hours being too much) and the thought of going through all the paperwork again, an all this waiting is a complete and utter nightmare.

Has anyone ever had a good experience with any of these things?

Whinge over

I havent got any good experiences as I havent gotten anyway yet. I got offered a job at an interview I had back on first week of August. I had been waiting since end of June for an interview. I was suppose to start today in fact, which was what I was told by the woman sorting out my job. I then had to try and sort out childcare as it was a part time job (afternoons and a Sat) but I had to do two full weeks of training. When I finally arranged childcare (about 3rd week of Aug) she tells me I cant start 13th as my placement had been taken. I asked when I could start, she said she'd get back to me. She then went on holiday for 2 weeks so I couldnt get hold of her. When she came back, she told me that the hours of the job had now changed to 3 full working days. I was absolutely furious as the amount of effort i had put in for this damn job and then they go and change it

thats my whinge, and i hope if i do get a job, benefits wont mess me about. You're right they dont make it easy for us! I thought NDLP advisors were suppose to make it easy for us?

whats a NDLP advisor? sorry, really stupid

new deal lone parent adviser, the ones at the job centre that are suppose to help you find jobs or help you sort out your benefits when you get a job.

Much Sympathy, a mum at my dds nursery was crying today because of the stupid system being left with no money etc etc...and she was saying she thought going back to work would be good and beneficial ...yeah right, didnt seem like that to her and you neither I expect.

never even heard of them! i have found everyone at the job centre really unhelpful, they don't seem to know what they're talking about half the time. have been living off £56pw until this week since noone had told me about tax credits

This system was meant to be set up to support lone parents - just about everything I've heard is negative.

I started working because it was something I was determined to do. Had I done it with the intention of being better off I would be bitterly disappointed. Fortunately, I have family around me who would have been able to bail me out if I had got into trouble with money, but there are plenty of single parents who don't have that luxury. It just makes me really angry.

nothing useful to add, just so sorry to hear about your experience. As if life isn't stressful enough. Hope things look up for you soon good luck

stupidgirl. Big hugs. At least you've still got a fighting spirit.