ce scheme and disability allowance

I just spent about an hour on hold to Longford to ask about this, only to get cut off I need to know if I need to apply to them for an exemption to take up community employment while on disability allowance? If so, anyone tell me how it's done? Been told by one person I do not need an exemption in order to do a CE Scheme, and told by another that I do?

Lugh Ildanach

Its not called an exemption for Disability Allowance, but you do need permission from the Department to engage in rehabilitative employment, including CE.

It is unlikely that you will receive permission though, as there seems to be an unofficial poilcy of refusing permission to those on Disability Allowance.

If you are successful, your Disability Allowance will stop, and you will receive a CE Allowance/Grant of an equivalent amount plus an additional 20 Euro on top of that, unless you are currently getting less than 188, in which case you will receive a flat 208 Euro a week.

But as I said, in the current climate you are unlikely to be approved for CE.

How does one apply for permission for the department? I keep getting different answers from everywhere. Citizens Advice appear to think it can be done at any dole office, that doesn't sound right to me?

danjo-xx

The way it worked for a friendof mine was after he was offered a place on a c.e. scheme he contacted DA dept in Longford for permission and then had to wait till a letter of approval was sent out to him before he could start on the scheme.

Bubs99

Hi OP,

Ive been on the Disability Allowance almost my whole life (I have epilepsy).

But, I am able to work a few hours a week if I want. I just cant work full time because tiredness triggers seizures for me.

Anyway, for years I was told by FAS that I can only work with the CE Scheme but after applying for so many jobs, i went to the social welfare and got info there.
I was told that I can work at any job I want as long as I inform the social welfare straight away. I can keep my disability allowance payment and 120euros worth of wages, if I earn any more then that goes to the social welfare.

Also, I may lose my rent allowance or a fraction of it at least.
The Back to Work allowance is gone now but this is what I was told recently.
So, currently, im looking for some part time work to keep me occupied. Even an extra 50euros a week would be great for me. :rolleyes:

Bubs99

Bubs99 wrote: »

Hi OP,

Ive been on the Disability Allowance almost my whole life (I have epilepsy).

But, I am able to work a few hours a week if I want. I just cant work full time because tiredness triggers seizures for me.

Anyway, for years I was told by FAS that I can only work with the CE Scheme but after applying for so many jobs, i went to the social welfare and got info there.
I was told that I can work at any job I want as long as I inform the social welfare straight away. I can keep my disability allowance payment and 120euros worth of wages, if I earn any more then that goes to the social welfare.

Also, I may lose my rent allowance or a fraction of it at least.
The Back to Work allowance is gone now but this is what I was told recently.
So, currently, im looking for some part time work to keep me occupied. Even an extra 50euros a week would be great for me. :rolleyes:

The rules for CE Scheme payments have changed, however it will be exactly the same as I'm getting now, which is ok by me!

danjo-xx

There were new initiatives for getting people with disabilities back to work announced recently and you should check these out as they may affect you.

Progression Initiatives for people with disabilities:-

http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Press/PressReleases/2012/Pages/pr130212.aspx

mattjack

Lugh Ildanach wrote: »

Its not called an exemption for Disability Allowance, but you do need permission from the Department to engage in rehabilitative employment, including CE.

It is unlikely that you will receive permission though, as there seems to be an unofficial poilcy of refusing permission to those on Disability Allowance.

If you are successful, your Disability Allowance will stop, and you will receive a CE Allowance/Grant of an equivalent amount plus an additional 20 Euro on top of that, unless you are currently getting less than 188, in which case you will receive a flat 208 Euro a week.

But as I said, in the current climate you are unlikely to be approved for CE.

All schemes as far as I know CE schemes are to have either 5% or 10% of their staff on disability as far as is reasonably possible.If there is a policy unofficial or otherwise of refusing access to people on disability that's discrimination.
In the current climate CE schemes are heavily subscribed to and are difficult to get on to.

I've had an interview, it went very well. I want to be prepared in case fortune decides to shine on me and I get offered the place!

mattjack

Deleted User wrote: »

I've had an interview, it went very well. I want to be prepared in case fortune decides to shine on me and I get offered the place!

Good stuff.I'm on one myself.

Ramy

Deleted User wrote: »

I just spent about an hour on hold to Longford to ask about this, only to get cut off I need to know if I need to apply to them for an exemption to take up community employment while on disability allowance? If so, anyone tell me how it's done? Been told by one person I do not need an exemption in order to do a CE Scheme, and told by another that I do?

You have to know something man once you accept the CE u will lose ur Disability allowance and u need to REAPPLY for it again