Illness Benefit Q's.

Novella

I'm a little confused about entitlements etc., so thought I'd post to see if anyone could shed some light on a few things for me.

I was unemployed from February of last year until very recently, due to a long-term illness. I now work part-time. I spoke to a lady in Citizens Information and she informed me that I was/still am eligible for Illness Benefit, but I was never aware of this. For the last year, I lived off savings alone and it has left me in not the greatest situation financially.

I know I need to go to my GP and have him fill in a form and write me a letter, but is there anything else that needs to be done in order for the Illness Benefit to be back-dated? I do have GP receipts, hospital bills, prescription claim forms etc., dating back. I was told not to say I didn't make a claim because I wasn't aware and with the nature of the illness, it is feasible that I simply was unable to do so, as is also the case aside from ignorance.

Also, is it true that you can continue to claim Illness Benefit if you are working less than 20 hours a week? This is how my situation is currently.

Finally, anyone have any idea how long it could take for this to be approved?

Stheno

I'm not sure you'll get your claim backdated that long.

Anyway that aside, you need to go to your doctor, and get a first cert for the first week you were ill, then another cert for every week you were ill, then send those off. There is a section on every one of those certs where you have to explain why you have not claimed within the timeframe allowed.

For the 20 hours a week claim, there is more info at the bottom of Citizens Information on Illness Benefit.

cee_jay

Novella what Stheno has linked to says:

Work and Illness Benefit

You may be able to do part time rehabilitative work (up to a maximum of 20 hours a week) and keep your Illness Benefit. You must get written approval from the Department of Social Protection.

Technically you are supposed to get this approval for this before starting work, so I don't know if they will backdate that long especially as you have been working. Perhaps you should give them a call as only they can tell you for definite. Or just apply and see how you get on - but ensure you attach a very strong letter stating why you are only applying now.

yabadabado

You would need to be granted an exception from illness benefit to work and claim benefit.you fill out a form as does your gp .its fairly basic asking questions about why you want to return to work and how it will help your rehab.Go to your GP and get an MC1 and it should be filled out from when you first attended the gp and you need MC2 certs for every week you were off work.its worth a shot but im not sure you will be backdated.

Novella

Thanks a million, guys.