Q. regarding exemption while on Illness benefit??

paddyjnr

I have been on illness benefit for the last 5 years since I had to leave my job of 18 years. My condition came to a head in 2010 where I found myself at a 'rock bottom' and sought more help which part of it required attendance to an outreach program.
I applied for an exemption and received it for one year which ended in November 2011. My doc and other professional's deemed me unfit to work full time because of the severity of my condition but did say I was making great progress because of the outreach program.
I was given the option to re-apply for an exemption for the 2nd year which I did and was refused like many others on the same scheme and I have appealed it to the chief medical adviser along with letters from the professional people involved with my situation.
My problem is the letter allows me to attend my scheme as normal while still retaining my benefits until such time as I get an answer from the chief medical adviser but Fas my employers on the outreach program have now given me an ultimatum that I either work on the outreach program or stay on illness benefit and I have 2 weeks to decide.
Is this common practice??? I am at my wits end and don.t know what to do.
Could anybody please advise me..

maryk123

If I was you I would go into social welfare with all your letters. If you are allowed continue the course while you are awaiting an appeal decision what's the problem. Is the fas employer correct giving you an ultimatum I would check this out.

Are you receiving fas and illness benefit while you are doing the course is that their problem.

Remember if you come off the illness benefit (is it illness benefit or allowance) you are then available for work when the fas course finishes and you will have to prove you are genuinely seeking work.

paddyjnr

I don't no whether Fás is correct to do this or not but it does seem a little strange that they can do this considering that they are now under the very same body as the very place that are allowing me to continue on until I hear otherwise from the chief medical advisor. 'From 1st January, 2012, Employment Services and Employment Programmes were transferred to the Department of Social Protection.' http://www.fas.ie/en/About+Us/Home/default.htm
and the Illness benefit section http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/disability_and_illness/disability_benefit.html
I am so confused...

Yes I am receiving Fás and illness benefit....

maryk123

Did you get this in writing. I think this is to do with the double payment. Go into the local fas office and ask them.

paddyjnr

maryk123 wrote: »

Did you get this in writing. I think this is to do with the double payment. Go into the local fas office and ask them.

Yes it is to do with the double payment I would imagine and I have got the reply from illness benefit in writing stating once I have appealed I can carry on as normal while I await the decision. I haven't got anything from Fás in writing only word of mouth from supervisor...