hey welfarite! yes i was on JSB and signed off as on illness benefit, i am currently on medication, will be for another 2 weeks - therefore am not "fit" for work - so was terrified to stay on JSB in case they checked to see if I was seeking work - up until the time I got sick, i had sent out over 200 cv's - most - no reply to - one interview - to be told i was too qualified for the position!
I was terrified that sw would check to see if i had been looking for work in the last month, which i havent as I have been signed off on sick, by my doctor - i am not eligible for illness benefit due to my prsi contributions for 2007 - i took some unpaid leave after maternity leave and a career break in 2007 meaning i do not have the contributions for illness benefit... realistically i should have stayed on JSB and not said anything about being ill, but i was too scared to do this!