MY three-week diary of how to claim JSA (Job Seekers Allowance), having been employed for more than 33 years and never having previously had to claim any benefit.

October 21: Through no fault of my own I was laid off but paid up to October 24.

October 27: Inquired about JSA (had to apply online or by phone).

October 29: Interview in Wetherby (£3.80 bus fare + £6.40 = £10.20) (applied off my own back).

November 3: Monkgate (9.30am) filled in info on laptop with support.

November 4: Monkgate (1.45pm) repeat of above and support with CV until 4pm.

November 6: First claim (told I was suspended for four weeks as didn’t attend November 4). Then no info regarding my claim – this was rectified.

Got two jobs, start November 24 – April 2015 (Emergency maternity cover). April 2015 .... (Office based in Wetherby).

November 10: Training day Wetherby (bus fare £10.20). (10am to 5pm, nearly two hours travel each way).

November 13: Sign on for JSA (I wasn’t on system again). Also I couldn’t claim bus fares as job search didn’t get me a job. (Penalised as I found job myself).

Tomorrow (November 20): 11.45am Benefit inquiry APT. Signing on for JSA. Signing off JSA (as start job November 24).

Please help me understand what sort of benefit system we have as I do not have a clue.

Mrs L D Wilkinson, Bellfarm Avenue, Huntington, York.