Carers Allowance

cheekyred

I have applied for carers allowance for my son 4 who has CF , he was only diagnosed last June. At the time i was on illness benefit and incorrectly informed by the dept i was not entitled to it thats why im only applying for it now. I have heard there is an eight month delay in processing is there any way to speed it up as financially finding it very difficult as i left my job to care for my son. Has anyone any advice ?

Medusa22

Hi Cheeky, thought I would reply to your post as I'm in a similar situation. I hope your son is doing well. I have CF myself and my partner has applied for carer's allowance. We have been waiting since September and money is fairly tight with us as well so I know where you're coming from. We went to our local TD's office and asked if he could write a letter of support to add to our claim and he did, I think this is supposed to speed things up but I don't know whether it has or not. Just thought that perhaps you could do the same. Good luck with your claim!

Linda dub

Hi Medusa 22 just wondered did you hear anymore from carers allowance since TDs letter ? I also applied sept but was turned down end of may... Think i may have wrote to you on another thread thats been closed, but was wondering had you heard anything yet? If i remember correctly hadnt the inspector went to your home and there was some mix up with the report ? Be interested to know how you are getting on ?

IrishMumOf1

Hi everyone, 30 weeks waiting time for me, had my local TD contact via letter and I have written emails to various governmental officials regarding waiting time. Still no further news with my case, but I will update as soon as I hear something.

Hello again to Linda Dub and hello to everyone else. It is such a relief to be able to swap information and stories with people in similar situations.

Linda dub

Hi irish mum of 1 gud to hear frm you... The other thread was closed and as i was ranting about the system etc in fairness i shudnt have been but smtimes i get very annoyed n say things that maybe i shudnt as we all do... Anyhow good to hear from you.... You're waiting 30 weeks now ? You really shouldnt be two long waiting now . Fair play getting TDS letter etc hopefully you will hear soon... As you know i was refused after 36 weeks so i sent in letter n lots more details frm docs about my parents health for a reveiw.... If that doesnt do i may have to appeal and i know thats another long long wait!!!!! Dunno how long reveiw takes prob long time too!!!!!

IrishMumOf1

Linda dub wrote: »

Hi irish mum of 1 gud to hear frm you... The other thread was closed and as i was ranting about the system etc in fairness i shudnt have been but smtimes i get very annoyed n say things that maybe i shudnt as we all do... Anyhow good to hear from you.... You're waiting 30 weeks now ? You really shouldnt be two long waiting now . Fair play getting TDS letter etc hopefully you will hear soon... As you know i was refused after 36 weeks so i sent in letter n lots more details frm docs about my parents health for a reveiw.... If that doesnt do i may have to appeal and i know thats another long long wait!!!!! Dunno how long reveiw takes prob long time too!!!!!

Good to hear from you too and to see you are doing the full process. I am praying I won't be waiting too much longer. I did feel bad getting the TD's letter but I hope it helps others as well as myself. Yes 30 weeks seems like a lifetime ago now!!! So I should hope from your experience that in 6 more weeks maximum I have an answer. The TD's letter and parliamentary questions got me two letters from the social welfare through him, and he continues to monitor my case for me while appealing the waiting times. They did say in the first letter that my husband "satisfies the medical criteria for receipt of carer’s allowance". And in the second one "On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of her claim a decision will be made and Ms B will be notified directly of the outcome". And I know we satisfy the income part, but a part of me does not want to get my hopes up too high.

I know its hard to keep your chin up and keep going, but that's what we have to do really. See I made a really really long post and now I need to go to bed, a night of fits last night for hubby and I am wrecked beyond belief as the little one is also teething. Keep up the good fight and I will update thread if I hear anything my end. Had to stay up and pay the electricity bill ASAP once the money hit the bank tonight :eek: Tight deadlines. Talk soon.

Linda dub

Sounds extremly positive letters you have received so id say its amost certain you wii get carers. Its only medical criteria and income that needs to be assessed as far as i know but not 100% sure...please god you will
Hear very soon ... It seems very tough for you wth your sick husband and a young child how do you cope? I know theres no choice but to do so and i sincerely hope you get sorted out soon ....i know getting it Wont make your husband better but make both your lives a wee bit easier without the added stress of financial worries ... Take care will be keeping eye out for sme good news from you soon please god 

aileach

Hi there, I was wondering what happened to that other thread - I am waiting for 36 weeks now, I have an appointed with the SW Inspector this week, I'm not sure if it's a good or bad sign, but trying to stay positive - it's so difficult to make ends meet and in limbo with the long waiting time for a decision.

Linda dub

Hi aileach good to hear from you ... Im not sure about SW inspectors visit but at least you hav'nt been turned down for it.... Can only mean they look
More info so id try stay positive not an easy task with money worries and the long wait:( moderator closed thread as thought was completly off wait time subject n spose it was but everyone get so frustrated and annoyed..... Wonder how some of the others getting on... I hope some have been awarded the payment by now ... Best of luck with inspector i seriously hope you not too long waiting on decision .

Medusa22

Hello everyone, hope you're all ok, although I know that all of us are frustrated! Are you still waiting to see if you have to appeal Linda_dub? The inspector finally sent the report to CA, I think. We rang CA but they didn't know if it had arrived yet (I won't say anything else about that or this thread will be closed too). So we're still waiting and our savings are still going down Is anyone still having trouble ringing CA? They've stopped answering when we ring through the disability allowance section and they never answer when you ring them directly.

IrishMumOf1

Linda dub wrote: »

Sounds extremly positive letters you have received so id say its amost certain you wii get carers. Its only medical criteria and income that needs to be assessed as far as i know but not 100% sure...please god you will
Hear very soon ... It seems very tough for you wth your sick husband and a young child how do you cope? I know theres no choice but to do so and i sincerely hope you get sorted out soon ....i know getting it Wont make your husband better but make both your lives a wee bit easier without the added stress of financial worries ... Take care will be keeping eye out for sme good news from you soon please god 

Isn't it funny how we don't see how hard our situation is but we see how hard things are for others. We have been married 4 years next month and I am so used to my husband's condition now. I see how everyone else struggles while waiting and I feel for everyone especially people who have been waiting so long and got turned down.

I just take things as they come and pray that God gives me the strength and knowledge to deal with things. Plus my little boy is so good, (2 at Christmas) he is my sweetie. The last few days have been frantic here, no chance to get online for a chat. I got turned down for my keyhole for my gallstones, got called for Jury Duty starting on my 30th birthday and got told by the HSE I have 8-9 weeks to get approved for my carer's allowance or I have to find cheaper accommodation, which I really can not do as I need to be close to town to bring my husband to all his doctors appointments and we are close to family which help me out when I need them. I do not own a car. I contacted my TD again this morning as soon as I got the phone call from the HSE and they said they will make contact with the Welfare again and explain my situation has changed. They recommended I pass on the letters I got from the Welfare to my Community Officer to see if that buys me more time as they feel more then confident I will get it but that it will take more then 8-9 weeks to hear a result due to the "Respite Grant" being issued this month.

I assumed the appeal would take a long time and I sincerely hope you get regular updates so you know what it happening, its the unknown that makes us anxious waiting.

Time for a cuppa and feet up while my little one naps, the laundry can wait as its raining here

The finance side knowing it was sorted out would be a blessing alright, take care and talk soon.

Linda dub

God dats tough but as you say you just have to do it n take each day as it comes.... I thought id problems but think you might have more!!!! What a mess surely smthing can be done about your living situation and cannot expect you to move into cheaper accomadation .... Never mind TDS id go To Enda Kenny if you cud!!!! ..... Hope to god you Get some good news from somwere soon ... Best of luck with everything keep us posted ))

Linda dub

Hi medusa I havent been on to anyone as i was also banned from boards for a week
Over the last thread !!!!! Yes really im fifty years old next month and have never been banned from anything spos first time for everthing !!!!! Anyhow im still waiting on reveiw of decision... I got through yesterday after ages but same story did i send it right place its not show on computer etc while last week told me all The new medical Evidence was with doctors but its an outside doctor and not always there ... Dunno what or who to belive ... I will Just have to wait AGAIN and see ... I hope you get sorted soon too
Fact that at last report sent in should hurry things up for you ... Again keep us posted 

aileach

Hi there - the waiting for a decision is so difficult, we are also in dire financial difficulties. I had a meeting with the SW inspector last week which went well I think, I forgot to ask him when he would send the report in but he seems very efficient so I hope he sent it in right away. I had also received a request for more financial info from the CA at the end of May, that letter said that I had 21 days to send the info in, I found it very difficult to get info from one source that I needed hence I posted the info to CA the day before the 21 day deadline, I'm hoping that the received it on time - I haven't been able to phone to find out what stage my application is at - I'm afraid to really

IrishMumOf1

aileach wrote: »

Hi there - the waiting for a decision is so difficult, we are also in dire financial difficulties. I had a meeting with the SW inspector last week which went well I think, I forgot to ask him when he would send the report in but he seems very efficient so I hope he sent it in right away. I had also received a request for more financial info from the CA at the end of May, that letter said that I had 21 days to send the info in, I found it very difficult to get info from one source that I needed hence I posted the info to CA the day before the 21 day deadline, I'm hoping that the received it on time - I haven't been able to phone to find out what stage my application is at - I'm afraid to really

I don't want to ring on the basis that I am keeping them from working on mine or another case. I am thinking that the extra request for information about finances is a good sign, I was asked for 6 months bank statements myself today, sent them in the post this afternoon. I think that when they are processing your application they need up to date financial information to ensure you have no extra income since you applied for the carer's allowance.

IrishMumOf1

Linda dub wrote: »

God dats tough but as you say you just have to do it n take each day as it comes.... I thought id problems but think you might have more!!!! What a mess surely smthing can be done about your living situation and cannot expect you to move into cheaper accomadation .... Never mind TDS id go To Enda Kenny if you cud!!!! ..... Hope to god you Get some good news from somwere soon ... Best of luck with everything keep us posted ))

I sent my HSE Officer a copy of all the letters I got from the Welfare and a copy of anything I got from my T.D. Hopefully that buys me more time from them.
The carers allowance section me a letter. I hope it is a positive sign that I got a request for 6 months work of bank statements today, which I have already posted back to them.

Katy12

Hi, glad I found you again.

I got my documents back on Thursday, 10 weeks after I submitted my application. The note with them said I would hear shortly, so I live in hope!

All the best to people still waiting.

skate22

Hi all

Things don't seem to have changed much since the last thread a few weeks ago. Like you Linda Dub I was also banned for a week though we were ranting a bit last time. Update on my own situation. Finally, got my letter after numerous letters and calls. They have reversed the appeal decision and have awarded me carer's allowance. Just got my letter.
It is such a sense of relief that they finally believed me when I said I was providing full time care and that I was not working.
I will continue to follow everyone's progress and I wish everyone the best. It took me a month short of two yrs to get to this stage but my situation was a bit complicated but please continue to fight for what you are entitled to.

Best of luck to all :rolleyes:

Katy12

Skate22 - I did read through all the posts when I found the other thread and was horrified at your story. So glad you have won your appeal, and wish you all the best.

Linda dub

skate22 wrote: »

Hi all

Things don't seem to have changed much since the last thread a few weeks ago. Like you Linda Dub I was also banned for a week though we were ranting a bit last time. Update on my own situation. Finally, got my letter after numerous letters and calls. They have reversed the appeal decision and have awarded me carer's allowance. Just got my letter.
It is such a sense of relief that they finally believed me when I said I was providing full time care and that I was not working.
I will continue to follow everyone's progress and I wish everyone the best. It took me a month short of two yrs to get to this stage but my situation was a bit complicated but please continue to fight for what you are entitled to.

Best of luck to all :rolleyes:[/Quote

That is fantastic skate 22 i was thinking bout you since i went back on this and wondering had you heard anything ... Well done you u should be so proud you have never given up n rghtly so.....almost two
Years later that will encourage others here not to give up .... Im a month now waiting for a reveiw of the decision... Nobody seems to know how long can take probably another few months said was gone to medical officer as soon as i sent all new info in so we just have wait and see .... 42 weeks snce applied so i reckon prob be a full year before get there decision and if hve to appeal be another year anyhow well done again im delited that youve cleared your name too best of luck for future 

skate22

Thanks Linda dub and Katy
The posts here helped me continue to fight as it was one way of venting my frustration and knowing as well that there are a lot of people in similar situations. I will say that I wrote to the appeals dept at least twice a month with anything new I could think of and also to keep my appeal fresh in their minds. I probably tormented them in the end and alarm bells probably sounded everytime I rang. I will say to keep on top of everything and if you write ask for receipt of acknowledgement and keep every bit of correspondance you get from them. My file alone added up to 253 pages which I got a copy of.

Best of luck to all

IrishMumOf1

Well done Skate22 on your hard earned win.

I too have great news. I got my decision in the post this morning and I have been awarded the carers allowance. I also got a letter to say I will receive the respite grant and I got my bus pass in a separate envelope in the post today also. What a weight has been lifted off my mind. My T.D was instrumental in getting this for me with the problems I have been having in my rent allowance. I sincerely hope everyone else here and all the others waiting hear good news soon. If you are waiting as long as I have give your local T.D a call, it can't hurt.

aileach

Skate 22 that is fantastic news, also IrishMumOf1 What a relief it must be for both of you.

I received devestating news yesterday - I do not qualify for carers for either of my parents because of the medical evidence.

I am gutted and don't know what to do next. Linda Dub how did you go about the review? My letter states that I may appeal within 21 days (either before or after seeking a review by a Deciding Officer) - I don't understand that part - should I request a review and also appeal.

Thanks for all your helpful posts on this and the other threads

Linda dub

aileach wrote: »

Skate 22 that is fantastic news, also IrishMumOf1 What a relief it must be for both of you.

I received devestating news yesterday - I do not qualify for carers for either of my parents because of the medical evidence.

I am gutted and don't know what to do next. Linda Dub how did you go about the review? My letter states that I may appeal within 21 days (either before or after seeking a review by a Deciding Officer) - I don't understand that part - should I request a review and also appeal.

Thanks for all your helpful posts on this and the other threads

Thats just awful aileach i know how u feel i was same when got letter... I sent in anythng i cud get regarding my parents health incl more medical evidence from doctors hospitals etc .... Its a month snce
They received it... Same story ring each week no news... Today however said its with medical doctor and decision will be made by 19 july....seems reveiws hve certain time limit or something so will know then or maybe before. If unsucsessful its sent for appeal but i will have no more info to give as ive got all i can from docs etc ... So from date i receive new decision ive 21 days to write letter of appeal... Think they forward files then to appeals office.... Not sure if this info right tho ...... Good luck with it and keep us posted 

Linda dub

IrishMumOf1 wrote: »

Well done Skate22 on your hard earned win.

I too have great news. I got my decision in the post this morning and I have been awarded the carers allowance. I also got a letter to say I will receive the respite grant and I got my bus pass in a separate envelope in the post today also. What a weight has been lifted off my mind. My T.D was instrumental in getting this for me with the problems I have been having in my rent allowance. I sincerely hope everyone else here and all the others waiting hear good news soon. If you are waiting as long as I have give your local T.D a call, it can't hurt.

Great news irish mum of 1 delighted hear bit more good news you must be so releived. And wait time seems bit quicker though only by couple weeks but still its something.... The best of luck to you and your family 

skate22

Well done Irishmumof1, delighted to hear your news and what a relief for you for it to be finally over. You can now continue without the added pressure of waiting and wondering.

Hi Aileach, so sorry to hear you were refused. You should now gather as much medical information as is possible and in as much detail as possible. Get letters from the doctors, hospitals and maybe even the chemist where you collect prescriptions. Anything at all that will help your case. Even get other members of your family or friends to write a letter for you stating what your parents health is like and how you look after them. Anyone that calls to your parents will know that they are in need of a carer and that you are doing that job so get them all to write a letter on your behalf and send everything back for a review. Keep copies of everything and send by registered post.

When I was refused I went straight for an appeal which is a very long process. Send back for a review, which is a quicker process. If that is turned down it will then go to the appeals board. Don't give up at this stage because I am sure you will still have to continue to look after your parents. Just because you were refused does not mean that your caring duties have ended.

I will also make a suggestion that once you have sent in your review if anything changes during your wait for a decision then send in a letter to that effect. Such as if you have had a particularly bad day or the doctor had to be called then send a detailed letter about that. Everything sent will be kept on your file. During my appeal I sent letter practically on a weekly basis just to keep on top of it. Probably for my own benefit as well but it worked out ok for me in the end.

Keep up the fight for what you deserve.

Best of Luck :rolleyes:

aileach

Thanks for that info skate and linda. I went to the cwo today but he cannot help us financially, but he did say that the review would go to the same medical officer who made the initial decision, but that the appeal would be by an independent person. I guess we'll go for the review first, have an apt with the dr today so will try to get everything written down in as much detail as possible.

endofrainbow

IrishMumOf1 wrote: »

Well done Skate22 on your hard earned win.

I too have great news. I got my decision in the post this morning and I have been awarded the carers allowance. I also got a letter to say I will receive the respite grant and I got my bus pass in a separate envelope in the post today also. What a weight has been lifted off my mind. My T.D was instrumental in getting this for me with the problems I have been having in my rent allowance. I sincerely hope everyone else here and all the others waiting hear good news soon. If you are waiting as long as I have give your local T.D a call, it can't hurt.

Can I ask when you first applied?

IrishMumOf1

aileach wrote: »

Skate 22 that is fantastic news, also IrishMumOf1 What a relief it must be for both of you.

I received devestating news yesterday - I do not qualify for carers for either of my parents because of the medical evidence.

I am gutted and don't know what to do next. Linda Dub how did you go about the review? My letter states that I may appeal within 21 days (either before or after seeking a review by a Deciding Officer) - I don't understand that part - should I request a review and also appeal.

Thanks for all your helpful posts on this and the other threads

Aileach, so sorry to hear this, I hope you consider appealing this decision and best of luck with this.

IrishMumOf1

Thank you Linda Dub and I will keep reading this page and keep up to date so I can fingers crossed see you get the result you deserve.

Skate22 you were my inspiration to keep the old chin up.

Endofrainbow I applied last year in 2011 took 32 weeks to get my decision from when they received my application, I had sent it in 3 weeks before that, but it took that long for it to be opened and acknowledged.

aileach

I have asked for my case to be reviewed, still can't quite believe that I've been refused in the first place

Linda dub

aileach wrote: »

I have asked for my case to be reviewed, still can't quite believe that I've been refused in the first place [/Quote

Its an awful feeling Aileach i felt physically sick for weeks when i was refused i didnt know were to go or what to do about it! Others on here were great encouragement i think i would have just given up only for them ! When i sent off for review i swore i would not ring and just wait n see but of course im ring them every week !!!!! I will go down the appeals road if i have to... Try keep positive ( very hard i know) and hopefully you and i will
get what we are emtitled to 

skate22

Hi Aileach and Linda Dub

Just wanted to wish you both the best and I am glad to see that you are continuing your fight for this. Don't give up because I know you will both get there in the end. There is no harm to be ringing to find out how your claim is going and if you have anything at all that you feel may be relevant just post it in to them. You could even e-mail it for the attention of whoever is looking after your reviews. Also ask if you can get acknowledgement of receipt of anything you send.

Keep it up. Not easy I know but just hang in there.:rolleyes:

aileach

I didn't get an acknowledgement of my review request - should I ring in to request that? Have you heard anything since Linda?

Linda dub

aileach wrote: »

I didn't get an acknowledgement of my review request - should I ring in to request that? Have you heard anything since Linda?

Neither did i aileach but then again never got one for first time i applied! 9 weeks since i sent mine in every time i ring i talk to different person and tell me something different ! Sooo fed up at this stage . Tried ring again today but couldnt get through at all ... Its a joke now but nobodys laughing 

aileach

Hi Linda, have you heard anything since??

Linda dub

aileach wrote: »

Hi Linda, have you heard anything since??

Nothing aileach ring every week but still with doctors they say ... They recieved all
The additioal info doc letters hosp reports on 30 may n still nothing 3 months later:(( how bout you did you send off any additional info when you requested reveiw? Have you had any news back at all? Sooo frustrating altogether ((

aileach

I sent in a letter from the GP and a letter from myself, am going to try to get an apt with the local TD this week - I haven't phoned yet but I might this week.

User16

I'm waiting since Nov 1st 2011!!! They say they are dealing with OCT 2011'S Applications now.
My apparent hold up is caused by lack of doctors to look at medical evidence!
The deciding officer has passed me but the medical evidence is sitting on a desk...!!
No way to speed up the process, no other "in-between" money available. You just have to wait on them!

endofrainbow

Well after I thought I was all set, they messed up totally on the backdated payment - it was miscalculated so I am once again jumping through hoops to get it sorted . So for anyone who gets approved - check the paperwork and the figures carefully ...

User16

I will check their calculations.
I was awarded OPF last year after waiting 10 months on that.
They miscalculated/ mis-read my file.
Months later they wrote out to me saying my back money was overpaid by over €900 so they now take €5 per week off my payment while i wait 11 months on another payment.


Its a joke innit?

aileach

waiting over a year now and living on fresh air!!

daretodream

aileach wrote: »

waiting over a year now and living on fresh air!!

So unfair. Anyone with DCA know if CA application is processed any quicker, or is there a backlog across the board?

henry63

My wife has been in receipt of carers allowance for about three and a half years.We have a daughter with Down's Syndrome. About 8 weeks ago she got a letter stating that her CA was been "terminated" and to return her bus pass in the envelope provided. Their reason for the "termination" is for medical reasons, that she "is not so invalided or disabled enough" to warrant full time care. Needless to say we are devastated. She has applied for a review but we don't know where we stand. Has this happened to anyone else?

irishfalls

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could give me some information about how long it takes for the inspector to call out.. i have applied for CA about 9 mts ago and still waiting, when i rang the other day they told me i would have to wait for an inspector to call out and see me,( seemly he has my file now for the last 2 weeks) i also got a social service card in the post last week which i thought meant i was getting my payment but no such thing. any idea on the time lenght it takes for him to call...so hard financially to stay going..

Nelly 21

Hi Folks, finding it hard to find a thread about carers waiting times that isn't closed!!! My story is I am on carers benefit but it is due to end next month. I sent in my application in for CA in January. I was just wondering if its normal to expect 10-12 months of waiting times when you are applying for CA while you are on CB. I phoned the CA office yesterday and they told me that my application was with the medical examiner. Is there anyone else on this thread applying for CA while on CB????

jacqui c

hi all i was refused c/a last month sent in for a review but got a letter this morning from the appeals office so does that means my review was not granted ? also how long roughly does an appeal take ? my mothers doctor wrote a great letter stating all of her problems and i contacted joan burtons office to ask for help which was replied to in two day saying they would look into it. other than that i dont think there is anything i can do except wait

Shalamar

Hi all,

Its great to find a thread on waiting times. I didnt realise it would be so long! My husband is disabled (broke his leg 3 years ago several surgeries etc) we got approved for disability in November and I applied for Carers in December. I rang a few times and I was told 8 weeks more to wait so that was like the end of march. So I rang again in March and I was told it was with the deciding officer and I would hear in two weeks. Two weeks were up and I rang again to be told that a letter I sent in in February from an occupational therapist (out about the house being unsuitable), in it she just explains what I do for my husband so I thought it would help. But now I'm being told this letter will hold up my application for 2-3 months now as the medical examiner is backed up. I'm so frustrated, I find that when I call them I almost hear a different story every time I call. One person said it was with the deciding officer, the next person says 2-3 months wait! I know my wait is small in comparison to a lot of people but were stressing it out now. Anybody else have this happen? I feel like telling them ignore the letter so we can have an answer but I do think it might help just frustrated that it will take so long

Nelly 21

Shalamar wrote: »

Hi all,

Its great to find a thread on waiting times. I didnt realise it would be so long! My husband is disabled (broke his leg 3 years ago several surgeries etc) we got approved for disability in November and I applied for Carers in December. I rang a few times and I was told 8 weeks more to wait so that was like the end of march. So I rang again in March and I was told it was with the deciding officer and I would hear in two weeks. Two weeks were up and I rang again to be told that a letter I sent in in February from an occupational therapist (out about the house being unsuitable), in it she just explains what I do for my husband so I thought it would help. But now I'm being told this letter will hold up my application for 2-3 months now as the medical examiner is backed up. I'm so frustrated, I find that when I call them I almost hear a different story every time I call. One person said it was with the deciding officer, the next person says 2-3 months wait! I know my wait is small in comparison to a lot of people but were stressing it out now. Anybody else have this happen? I feel like telling them ignore the letter so we can have an answer but I do think it might help just frustrated that it will take so long

Its so frustrating when you are waiting for CA. Its like sometimes you are begging for money and telling lies. Caring for someone isn't always easy. I'm in the system as I was on carers benefit but it still takes ages. The only thing is they are using a new system that is supposed to put claims through quicker. But as you can see from this thread that a lot of people are months and months waiting. I got a letter from the CA section asking for more information, up to date stuff. I hope this means my claim is moving!! You can go to the community welfare officer for a supplementary payment if you're stuck, you might be entitled to that depending on your circumstances

Shalamar

Hi Nelly, any update with your claim? I've been ringing shamelessly the past few weeks and I finally caved and went to a local TD's clinic office 2 weeks ago where he told me he'd make a few calls about my case. Rang today then and was told its finally with the medical examiner but its a private doc they send it to so no telling how long it'll take from there and as soon as they would know they would contact me on the phone... at least I think he said phone lol Does everyone get a welfare visit? I was hoping it would be a simple matter of if its approved then I get a scheduled payment, now I'm wondering if I'll get an inspector out to visit or if its different seeing as my husband got approved for disability and that's who I'm claiming for. And as for CWO's, they closed all the local clinics in my area and I think I could be waiting forever to go visit them! Such a nightmare. I suppose I should just be happy its moving a bit forward! Baby steps!

Nelly 21

Shalamar wrote: »

Hi Nelly, any update with your claim? I've been ringing shamelessly the past few weeks and I finally caved and went to a local TD's clinic office 2 weeks ago where he told me he'd make a few calls about my case. Rang today then and was told its finally with the medical examiner but its a private doc they send it to so no telling how long it'll take from there and as soon as they would know they would contact me on the phone... at least I think he said phone lol Does everyone get a welfare visit? I was hoping it would be a simple matter of if its approved then I get a scheduled payment, now I'm wondering if I'll get an inspector out to visit or if its different seeing as my husband got approved for disability and that's who I'm claiming for. And as for CWO's, they closed all the local clinics in my area and I think I could be waiting forever to go visit them! Such a nightmare. I suppose I should just be happy its moving a bit forward! Baby steps!

Hi Shalamar, I've been ringing every week myself and a lot of the time I get different information. I think my claim went in a month after yours, mine went in January. They looked for updated information a few weeks ago and I was told that once that was received they would look into it. That obviously didn't happen. Last week they told me I should hear something by the middle of May so I just chanced my arm ringing today, they told me today that the claim is just with the medical examiner this week and is in the queue (the told me 3 months ago, 2 months ago, last week etc..... that my claim was with the medical examiner!) Today I said nothing as I don't want to piss anyone off!!! Its obviously in a queue and they just want to give you some sort of information. I'll ring again next week.

With regards to the inspectors visit, I asked about that in one of my calls and they told me that the inspector doesn't call out for all claims, maybe ones that need to be questioned eg self employment, caring for someone you don't live with etc so a lot of means tests are done in house.

I hope you hear some good news soon and its very difficult to wait for a decision knowing that you re doing all you are meant to do (caring for someone and supplying all information etc) and still to hear nothing! Best of luck!!