12 weeks to get on dole as staff struggle to cope

STAFF in social welfare offices are struggling to cope with the increased rate of unemployment, leaving dole claimants waiting 12 weeks to have their claims processed.

That is according to the Civil and Public Services Union (CPSU) which has demanded the Department of Social and Family Affairs increase staffing levels in the offices.

It said there are now 38,000 job seekers’ benefit and allowance claims pending around the country, which can take up to 12 weeks to process.