Suspension of JSA - my own fault but what happens?

[SmellyMince]

hello all, hope someone can give me advice, as Im really worried. For the last month I have been claiming JSA, and today I got a letter saying that as I failed to respond to their previous letter enquiring about my reason for leaving my previous job, they are "assuming I left voluntarily and therefore no JSA will be paid until 6th May."
I was about to get on the phone and tell them id never had this "previous letter," until I decided to check the junk mail drawer and found it
Obviously, this is my own stupid, careless mistake for not not bothering to open it because I didnt know it was anything important. Now Im faced with the embarrassing task of phoning the jobcentre & explaining myself. Trouble is, I am more worried because I wont be getting money for a whole month, but still have to sign on while I look for work. I rely on my JSA at the moment to cover bus fare, printing costs etc so im damned if I find a job and I can't afford to get there

I know I am a total fanny and I promise to be more vigilant with checking post in the future, but is there anything I can do to still get my money next week? it said I might be able to get hardship payments but apparently that takes weeks. Sorry for rabbiting on, im just worried.

I don't think there is much you can do other than go and plead. And use the words about the mistake 'leaving you in hardship' (an important concept sometimes). I don't know these days how long it would take to reinstate a claim.

Good luck, and stay reasonable, regardless of what sort of adviser you get.

You won't get hardship unless you are classed as vulnerable - pregnant, at risk of eviction, disabled etc.
Your only other option is to appeal the actual decision to disallow your benefit. Not sure what grounds you would have though...

I didn't mean a hardship payment. I simply meant to use the language as a reinforcement of the need to get the decision reversed urgently.

Ok, thanks for the replies, Im seeing my advisor tomorrow so I'll see how it goes

You can apply for hardship payments, ask for a JSA10 form and fill it in straight away, be sure to lay it on thick that you won't be able to pay for food, heating, rent etc. depending on your circumstances you will have to wait 2 weeks for these payments to be made. You can also apply for a reconsideration of the decision by completing a DR7 form this is always worth a try and give them the reasons why you left your job, they can contact your employer though so be honest!! Hope it goes well ;)