SW Illness Benefit

frizzyhead08

Hi all,
I am just looking for some advise regarding SW Entitlements for my husband.
He has been unemployed since Mar 2009. He was in receipt of JSB but was means assessed and was informed he would not be entitled to any JSA. He has been eagerly trying to get work but no luck to date. He contacted FAS to see if he might be able to get onto some courses but same old story not entitled.We are living on one wage and it is very tough. He has since got very depressed and has been prescribed anti-depressants by our doctor. He has worked all his life and paid his taxes and now when he needs help to get back on his feet there is no support. Is he entitled to any sick benefit because of his illness. Any advise would be much appreciated.
Regards

Victor

It will be down to whether his doctor certifies him as unable to work.

People on Illness Benefit may be able to work for up to 20 hours per week if the work is appropriate.

frizzyhead08

Hi Victor,
tks for the reply. At the moment he is not very well. I just thought because he not entitled to any SW he would not be entitled to any Illness benefit. Can the doctor apply on his behalf to show that his case is genuine.
much appreciated,

katiebelle

I could be wrong here but the type of benefit you would be looking at would be short term benefit for depression. You would not get a long term payment easily with just depression. The short term payments are usually reliant on your contributions which it sounds like your husband has used up on his job seekers benefit. If he did not pass a means test for jsa then its likely he would not pass a means test for another benefit too. Your best bet is to go to a citizens advice center and tell them your situation. As I say I could be totally wrong.

hawthorne

Sorry- but the doctor cannot apply for IB/DA on behalf of your husband.It must be done by your husband in person.
His credits for JB ran out- so they are gone for IB as well. If the department assessed him for JSA and found him also not egligible, he will not qualify for DA either.
There is nothing else he can get as a financial support.
Very sorry- but that is the way things are.

hawthorne

Contact them people if you need help in fighting the depression:
http://www.aware.ie/

frizzyhead08

Hi all,

tks so much for the replies and advise. I thought he might have been entitled to something small just to pay his medical expenses even.Each GP visit is €45 which is alot when only have one wage and small family to rear. tks again to everyone.
much appreciated.

katiebelle

With only one wage you may be entitles to Family income supplement. You may also qualify for a medical card or a GP card. Check them out !!!

Victor

There is no harm in asking, even if it means he receives a partial payment.

Certain parts of the country (certainly Dublin) also have a Psychiatric Scheme that covers psychiatrist visits and medication, that he may be eligible for.

cee_jay

Just because you have used a year's stamps on Jobseeker's does not mean you have used them for Illness Benefit. On Jobseeker's they run out after a year; Illness Benefit they last 2 years.
Your husband would have to satisfy the qualifying criteria for Illness Benefit, i.e. 39 contributions in 2009, in order to receive payment.
If he isn't fit for work he needs to go to his GP and ask could he have claim form for Illness Benefit, its called an MC1.