Read what others have said..

Mandy, Hailsham East Sussex
I work in a Jobcentre & all the staff are very professional in their dealings with our customers. Just want to set the record straight with regards the negativity that seems to be coming through. I would also advise people to make a claim to JSA asap after they become unemployed ~ many dont realise that they are entitled to benefit.

Louise, Belfast
Hi. Last week I finally signed on for job seekers allowance. I was dreading the process and felt a complete failure. In my mind signing on is a sign of how low I've got. However, the experience was completely different from what I expected. Yes, there's a lot of form filling however the people in Carrickfergus job centre were incredibly helpful, polite and respectful. It was my thoughts about the process which made it difficult for me, not the process or the people. I've worked all my life and am entitled to the benefits.

Charlotte, Southwest London
I can't believe people would not ask for what they are entitled to. We have a fairly good benefit system which people should be grateful for. People should also realise that not signing on may affect their state pensions when they retire. I have found the JCP staff, in the most cases, very helpful and understanding. It's time people put their predujices aside and claim what they've contrbuted to!

Lucy, Milton Keynes
It's not a very pleasant experience but if you don't get your National Insurance contributions paid it can affect your future state pension. Why not get what you're entitled to? By the way I was unable to claim Job Seekers Allowance when I tried to sign on as my partner was working although we were not married at the time. This was pretty awful as I'd just left university and didn't have any money - however I would have been able to claim if I had been living with my parents. Not a perfect system by any means.

stuart (dunstable)
I signed on as soon as i lost my job (but had to wait for 3 day 'waiting time' whatever that is for). I used the little money to subsidise my travelling to interviews and stamps etc.