Disability appeal

lounge_lizard

Right stick with me on this one, it's a little complicated! I applied for Illness benefit but as I came here from the UK and only work for a few months I don't have enough contributions. I discussed this with my GP and he said my back pain would last for the rest of my life and probably not get any better, in fact, worse.

I applied for Disability benefit, and I went for a medical examination in April and was told I was not eligible as my disability was not or is not expected
to last more than 12 months. This was correct at the time of my
examination, but since then I have asked my GP if it is going to last more
than 12 months. He agreed and I appealed.

I have since visited the Cappagh hospital and been diagnosed with Myofacial Pain syndrome. I gave the report from Cappagh and the referral to
Physiotherapy to the appeal board. They again refused my claim on the
grounds of me not meeting the medical grounds. I visited the relieving
officer and she proceeded to fill out a social welfare benefit form to pay me on the strength of me appealing again.

I got a letter from the appeal board saying I can send a full and detailed account of my disability to be considered. This I have done and I am now awaiting a response from them.

I was wondering how long I can expect to wait for a descision as it has now been over a year. Also how many times can you appeal ? I've done it 3 times now. If I am refused how long can I claim social welfare for ? It feels like a catch 22 situation, I am not fit enough to work, but not sick enough for benefits.

If I am denied a 3rd time, shall I reapply for Illness benefit? I was told in September I still didn't have enough contributions for it. Or shall I reapply for Disability benefit ? I'm confused!

c4cat

lounge_lizard wrote: »

Right stick with me on this one, it's a little complicated! I applied for Illness benefit but as I came here from the UK and only work for a few months I don't have enough contributions. I discussed this with my GP and he said my back pain would last for the rest of my life and probably not get any better, in fact, worse.

You need to get a form E104 oand E103 from the UK Inland revenue then they will use that to take in account your UK contributions and while your at it ask for a form E303 and E304 those are for unemployment contributions

Mrs. MacGyver

She's correct, the n the contributions paid in England can be added to your Irish contribution record to help you qualify for Illness benefit

nothing

I had trouble getting my own disability allowance sorted, and appealed twice. You can appeal as often as you wish if you have grounds to appeal on, and it certainly seems that you do.

undecided

If you keep appealing and get a TD onyour side you will get it! Iknow somebody who recently got for f**** all!

In saying that I'm registered with a disability and get an awful time of them every yr for their medicals! Keep trying!

Mrs. MacGyver

I dont think a TD will make any difference since the SW appeals office is an independant body.