What do I do....Help Please

boodee

Hi,

My problem is as follows. I broke my back 10 years ago and had to chang e my job from a very active outdoor career to whatever I could get my hands on, which was generally shop work.

I worked full time until 6 years ago when I then went to a 3 day week as I couldn't take the pain of standing for 8 hours a day.

Last October it all got too much and I quit my job after a meltdown.

I then found out that I couldn't claim benefits because I actually wouldn't be looking for full time work. I was told to get a sick cert and hand them into the social welfare every week. This was ok but not something I would have thought I could do.

Now I have been called in front of a medical referee, what do I say.....

Do I say I don't want to stay on sick certs and risk losing any benefits or do I say I will never be able to work full time which is the truth and I have spoken to the doctor who will back me up.

The thing is I can't get any help with re training if i'm on certs, like going back to college etc. which I would do.

I'm afraid I'm going to walk away with nothing if this referee goes against me.

I am applying for the exemption to work 20hrs a week if I could get a job, even voluntary just to stop me going insane. Do I say this to the referee or what, I've been told all sorts of horror stories about these reviews.

I have doctors letters, mri scans and a supportive gp, what are my options as I am getting conflicting advice from the citizens advice and the social welfare office.

rosehip

Hi,

Shop work can be very physical so i'm not surprised you weren't able to keep it up. Go on disability benefit if you have the stamps and are unwell, and after 12 months you will be put on means tested Disability Allowance.

On Disability Allowance you are allowed retrain/take a course or work part time - there are limits etc but you will find them on the welfare.ie website. This may help you give your back condition a rest and time to heal.

If you feel you can go straight back to work, albeit in a different area, I don't know your options - i hope someone who is a regular here can help you. But i suspect you'd have to go off certs, register as a jobseeker and go to FAS? That will take a few months. Or find an employer to train you or pay for a course privately.

Hope this helps,


Kind Regards,

Rose

boodee

thank you Rose,
I am confused between invalidity pension which it was suggested I go for at the social welfare office today and disability allowance.

Is it only me or are these type of payments something you really have to fight for. My condition is never going to really improve, tbh, age will probably impair it more.

I have to do a lot of exercise to keep fit and strong and feel that if i'm seen out exercising that i'ii be judged unfairly. While exercise keeps my weight done and muscle toned it causes me pain, but a different type to my 'regular pain'

I just don't know what to say at this medical review and fear falling between two stools...so to speak.

rosehip

Boodee,

Ah.. if you have Invalidity Pension being mentioned then you have enough stamps to go straight onto that instead of disability allowance. I wasn't sure because you worked part time.

Invalidity Pension is listed as the next automatic step after DB, but if you read some sites it seems it is mainly turned down the first time except for very serious illnesses etc. This does not mean anything. Appeal it and you'll get it, i'm sure.

My uncle has it for a degenerative spinal condition and he did physical work and he had to go to appeal.

Always keep copies of all your medical records and send in everything to them on the appeal, along with a personal description of how the illness has affected your daily life.

Persist. it's worth it.

Also, you used to be able to work a few hours on IP. That might have changed though. Go to Welfare.ie and read up on IP.

Hope it works out for you.

Kind Regards,
Rose

coolings

I am sure there would be a differance between doing an hour of exercise to keep your body in shape and promote healing and working solid for 8 hours on your feet it can be very bad. I no the feeling i dislocated both of my knees broke my leg in 2 places and 4 of my toes i cant do a lot of lifting or my knees may giveout at any time hell it can happen from simply geting out of a chair and then i cant walk right for 2 or 3 days. havnt gone for disability yet kinda dont want to got some other issues at the moment mental and stuff

rosehip

P.S. Don't worry about being seen exercising. Most physios advocate exercise for strengthening the muscles around an injured or weak area to keep you supple, mobile and in less pain.

Always do whatever it takes to keep yourself healthy. Everyone benefits.. you and the State.

And remember mental health is equally as important... and if a few walks keep you out of the dr's for depression, lack of mobility, pain... then it's worth it.