Disability benefit

lounge_lizard

I posted this in the Disability forum with no response, so forgive me if you read it before.

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 worked 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 had another medical examination.

I have been back to Cappagh and seen a different specialist and she said I had got soft. Well excuse me missus, I am a 41, (nearly 42) year old bloke, who is fairly fit and healthy, a little overwieght, (5ft 10ins, 13st 7lbs) who was in the British Army for 12 years. She said it's like a woman giving birth, if they were taught to harden up, they wouldn't have so much pain! OK, um, sure I'm pregnant! LOL

I have now heard that they want to do an oral hearing, but as they have many appeals, it wont be for a while. Also I went back to my GP and he had a letter from the specialist saying I won't get disabilty as I can do office work. Well I had an office job last year and had to give it up as I was in so much pain.

I went for my oral hearing the other week and they said that both the medicals said I didn't have any restriction in my movement. So I don't think that will swing it in my favour. But I did explain they were done 6 months ago and I have gotten worse since then. I went back to the relieving officer and told her what had happened. She said to just let her know what happens and then she will try and sort something out.

So will I get social welfare payments or will I have to claim dole? surely if I claim dole I have to satisfy the conditions that I am able to work? My GP has said if they disallow my claim he will have to sign me off the sick, so I wont get any more sick notes. So how can I make another disability claim or illness benefit claim which someone suggested as I might have enough contributions now?

Please help I am at the end of my tether! :eek:

Aldini98

You could claim DB using your contributions from the UK. You must inform the Dept that you worked in the UK and that you paid conbtributions there. Its up to EU Records to investigate this for you.

You could also enquire about Invalidity Pension as youre long term.