How do you claim your unemployment benefits … help?
Am I the only one who is being sent from pillar to post at the Benoni Department of Labour?
When I left my employment in March, I asked the company to send the necessary forms to the department. I have proof that the documents were faxed and received in March 2014
On May 20, because I was advised to wait six weeks, I went to the department to register.
I was given a card with a reference number and told to call back in four weeks, but that I should phone first.
Having waited a month, I was told that the documents were still being processed and that I should phone back in two weeks.
At some stage I was referred to a Shareen. I sent her an email on July 7. Shareen did respond and advised that Harold must attend to this enquiry.
Harold, never responded, so, on July 28, I re-emailed Shareen for a response.
By now you can guess … no response
On August 14 I phoned Harold, who advised me that there were no documents.
I contacted my previous employer and yet again I followed up by taking a set of documents with me.
I arrived at the department at 2.45pm to see Harold, the same day, but was advised that he was on lunch?
To confirm that I handed the documents (including proof of fax) to Maureen, who told me to phone back in two weeks, I followed up with an email to Harold as soon as I arrived home, requesting that he confirm receipt of the documents. No reply.
On September 2 I went in to see Harold. The time was 12.30pm. Again I was told that Harold was on lunch.
Maureen advised me that the documents were in order and that I should phone back in two weeks.
Phone calls are very seldom answered or a long wait is on, for sure.
On Thursday, September 18, I phoned and again I was told that they were unable to assist.
I then spoke to Pendele, who advised me that she would look into the matter and would phone me back on Friday.
Friday has come and gone and yet again no phone call.
Are the staff incompetent or just plain rude, with no idea of business etiquette?
How many time must I be told it is being “processed” or the phone remains engaged, or the system is down, or the person I have to contact is not there?
Someone please help!
