Desperate - need info

Alix

Hi All

Ive come to boards cos I cant seem to get a straight answer anywhere else. So I would really really value advice from people who have experience / knowledge in SW system.

Ok......

I was on IB for 2 years. After 2 years I was cut off , and I applied for IP. This was rejected on following grounds " you are not permanently incapable of work for life ". Ok , so I now have an appeal in against this decision since May 2012. Im hearing horrifying stories of waiting times for appeal to be decided of 12 and even 18 months ( honestly , someone in IB section told me this )...

I live with my partner and 3 children , but as he works full time ,Im not entitled to supplemntary allowance from CWO.

Roughly 40% of my partners wages is disposable , the other 60% is spent on necessities -car insurance and tax , electricity , gas and 2 loans.

I do not qualify for back to school as Im not actually receiving a social welfare payment.

I could bore you with stories of how broke we are. Ive exhausted all avenues with regard to borrowing money to live. No one will lend cos we cant pay it back. There have been awful rows , tears , tantrums etc and the stress is comppletely overwhelming.

Today , Im really trying to be pro active. I need to find a way to pay for my sons school uniform , books and everyhting else that goes with it. He's starting 2nd year.

Ive been thinking and would love some feedback.

I will cancel my appeal for IP and go onto JB immediately for 12 months
After 12 months , I will apply for DA or JA. Although this is a means tested payment , I will still be entitled to a small amount , and perhaps applying for FIS could help too.
I know Im not able for work. I know I should wait on IP decision. But , I really have no choice. I am desperate at this stage , and it just gets worse and worse every day. I know there must be thousands in this situation , and I feel for them also. But it just doesnt make sense that I cant get some sort of help while SW are processing my claim. As for my mortgage, we've already received the solicitors letters

On another note , could i even be entitled to JB....

MY IB was stopped after 2 years in April 2012. In 2010 , I worked until April 2012 ( roughly 16) weeks and the rest I was on IB. So would I be entitled to apply for jobseekers benefit at all ?? Im sooooo confused
Also what do I need to do to apply ?

Thanks for reading:o

mp22

Ok to claim JSB you will need to have a stamp history for 2010. http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/unemployed_people/jobseekers_benefit.html

You might be able to claim FIS.http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/social_welfare_payments_to_families_and_children/family_income_supplement.html

As for mortgage payments letters ect you need to reply in writing to these,set out your income less your living expenses ect and offer the company a amount per month that you can manage at present.Keep a copy of all correspondence and when posting your replies get proof of postage (free in the post office).

Alix

Thanks MP22 , do you know if the time I spent in 2010 on IB together with 16 weeks paid contributions will be enough to apply for JB now ??

mp22

Alix wrote: »

Thanks MP22 , do you know if the time I spent in 2010 on IB together with 16 weeks paid contributions will be enough to apply for JB now ??

If the both of them add up to 39 weeks you will be ok

Alix

Yes , literally worked the 16 weeks and was on IB for rest of year , 36 weeks .
Thanks for the info , MP22

eastbono

Be aware that you may not get the full rate of jsb as the rate paid depends on your average weekly earnings in 2010.

skate22

Hi Alix

To apply for a job seekers payment you have to be available for work otherwise you may be refused.

In relation to your mortgage you should get in contact with your bank and explain your circumstances to them and ask about going on interest only for maybe 12 months. This should give you some breathing space with regards to this.

You should get your partner also to apply for FIS. The limit for a family of 5 is €702. Also you should request an application form for the Back to School Allowance as your family limit for that is €623.20 and you also have an appeal in for a social welfare payment so therefore you could be entitled. If you ring them they will tell you and they are extremely helpful as well. Also mention that you are applying for FIS.

The limits for claiming with CWO are very low but are higher for the likes of FIS and Back to School Allowance.

I wish you the best of luck as I know its not easy and I know from experience how frustrating it is waiting on a decision from appeals as there is a long waiting time due to increased appeals.