Invalidity pension

piggychops · 30-01-2013 3:24pm #1

Hi
It's a long story so I'll make it short .... Was allowed invalidity pension (ip) in may 2011..... It came up for renewal in may 12. Sent of info. Got a letter in aug saying that my payment was being suspended and they wanted more info. Got all medical report and extra info together. Sent it of the 17 th if sept and I have heard nothing. I rang a few times to be told I am on a list too see the social welfare dr..... So it's 22 weeks with no payment. I can not claim as my hubby works ( thank god he has a job) but with 4 kids its getting tough ...... Just wondering if anyone else is in this situation and how long was/ are they waiting. Thank you

piggychops · 04-02-2013 10:10am

Bump

PeadarB · 04-02-2013 9:44pm

piggychops I can empathise with your situation. My wife applied last April for Invalidity Pension having come off Illness Benefit. She was turned down as "not unfit to work." She is still waiting on word about her review application. It's a very slow process.

irishpancake · 06-02-2013 2:05am

piggychops wrote: »

Hi
It's a long story so I'll make it short .... Was allowed invalidity pension (ip) in may 2011..... It came up for renewal in may 12. Sent of info. Got a letter in aug saying that my payment was being suspended and they wanted more info. Got all medical report and extra info together. Sent it of the 17 th if sept and I have heard nothing. I rang a few times to be told I am on a list too see the social welfare dr..... So it's 22 weeks with no payment. I can not claim as my hubby works ( thank god he has a job) but with 4 kids its getting tough ...... Just wondering if anyone else is in this situation and how long was/ are they waiting. Thank you

I do not understand your post in one respect, perhaps you can clarify??

AFAIK, IP is not subject to renewal as such, see below, from Operational Guidelines.....Invalidity Pension

Duration of Payment

Payment is made until the claimant....... resumes employment,......is disqualified from receipt of Invalidity Pension, ......qualifies for another pension at a higher rate, .......opts to transfer to another Social Welfare payment, ........is transferred to the State pension (contributory) at age 66,......... or dies.

Where a claimant returns to work and/or submits a final medical certificate, the payment is terminated. The employer is contacted to confirm the date the person took up employment.

Where the claimant commenced working some time before notifying the Department, the decision may be made with effect from the commencement of employment giving rise to an overpayment.

(See separate guideline re "Revised decisions" and "Guidelines on the Recovery of Debt by the DSFA")

When a claimant reaches pension age he or she is advised that they are transferring to the State pension (contributory).

So, what happened for the IP to be withdrawn, from the list of things in the first para above, in bold?

Also, a Diagnostic Medical Report from your GP must have been furnished initially, which the DSP will assess to determine eligibility:

Invalidity Pension: Medical Review

In the case of Invalidity Pension, a diagnostic medical report is completed by the applicant's medical practitioner. This is scanned by the Department and a Medical Assessor reviews the medical report form in line with evidence based medical protocols and Departmental guidelines and determines medical eligibility for the scheme.

Did this happen during your application process?

irishpancake · 11-02-2013 9:16pm

Anything...OP piggychops??

nice to know if all OK, or just some answers to queries posed in my post, did it help, etc.

piggychops · 11-02-2013 10:41pm

irishpancake wrote: »

Anything...OP piggychops??

nice to know if all OK, or just some answers to queries posed in my post, did it help, etc.

Hi Irish pancake
Sorry I havent been on in a few days.

I got it for a year
To qualify you must:
Have been incapable of work for at least 12 months and be likely to be incapable of work for at least another 12 months (you will probably have been getting Illness Benefit or Disability Allowance during that time)
Or

Be permanently incapable of work (in certain cases of very serious illness or disability, you can transfer directly from another social welfare payment or from your job to Invalidity Pension).
Invalidity Pension and work

So that's why I need to reapply ...... I hit a letter asking me to attend a social welfare dr so I guess that's a good thing. I hope I get it back as I'm still under the care of a consultant

PeadarB · 11-02-2013 10:54pm

piggychops pm sent. Check it out.

irishpancake · 13-02-2013 3:10pm

piggychops wrote: »

Hi Irish pancake
Sorry I havent been on in a few days.

I got it for a year
To qualify you must:
Have been incapable of work for at least 12 months and be likely to be incapable of work for at least another 12 months (you will probably have been getting Illness Benefit or Disability Allowance during that time)
Or

Be permanently incapable of work (in certain cases of very serious illness or disability, you can transfer directly from another social welfare payment or from your job to Invalidity Pension).
Invalidity Pension and work

So that's why I need to reapply ...... I hit a letter asking me to attend a social welfare dr so I guess that's a good thing. I hope I get it back as I'm still under the care of a consultant

OK thanks,

So, your claim was reviewed and you were called for an assessment??

It can happen, but I do not know the circumstances, just the published guidelines, like these:

http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Invalidity-Pension---SW-44.aspx

Invalidity Pension is a payment for insured people who are permanently incapable of work because of an illness or incapacity.

How long does payment last?

You can get Invalidity Pension as long as you remain incapable of work. Payment will stop, however, if you get any other pension from this Department (except Disablement
Benefit and half rate Carer’s Allowance). If you qualify for Invalidity Pension and you remain incapable of work, the payment continues until your 66th birthday. You will then be automatically transferred to the State Pension (Contributory).

Medical certificates:

We do not normally need medical certificates when Invalidity Pension is in payment. However, if we do need them we will ask you to forward them to us in the Department.

It would be disturbing if you were selected for unusual treatment, by way of a further assessment, without good medical reason??

I do hope it all turns out OK for you, as you indicate, as by the very nature of the payment, it is meant to be paid as long as you are permanently incapable of work due to illness.

Nonetheless, it is disturbing, and I wonder just what triggers a review of this payment? Is it random selection, and are payments usually stopped during the review process?

piggychops · 13-02-2013 3:31pm

irishpancake wrote: »

OK thanks,

So, your claim was reviewed and you were called for an assessment??

It can happen, but I do not know the circumstances, just the published guidelines, like these:

http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Invalidity-Pension---SW-44.aspx

It would be disturbing if you were selected for unusual treatment, by way of a further assessment, without good medical reason??

I do hope it all turns out OK for you, as you indicate, as by the very nature of the payment, it is meant to be paid as long as you are permanently incapable of work due to illness.

Nonetheless, it is disturbing, and I wonder just what triggers a review of this payment? Is it random selection, and are payments usually stopped during the review process?

Yes irishpancakes I did ask when I first got approved, how long will I have it for and was told as long as you are unfit for work. I am in my 30's and wondering if my age has anything to do with being called for a assessment. To be honest I was working full time until my condition raised its ugly head ..... And I am totally ignorant to the system ( maybe that makes no different) so when they sent out the forms for my dr to refill out last may I didn't really think anything of it. It's such a balls! A mortgage , bills kids in school and play school, my medication ( no medical card) and putting food on the table with 1 wage. I know and I really do feel for people who are worse off than my hubby and I but I tell you it's tough ...... I feel, I am being treated as some sort of criminal My dr has written a very strong letter out lining the reasons why I can not work but I have heard of social welfare drs can go against ur dr recommendations and send u back. Then I will have to appeal which can take a year ! So that's another year with no money! what can I do

RubyGirl · 13-02-2013 7:50pm

Op, you should be able to go onto job seekers while waiting on a decision re this. The letter you got from them saying it was under review you bring that into the welfare, dont fill out any forms as you are not able to work but will do for payment. It should say this on the letter.

piggychops · 13-02-2013 8:26pm

RubyGirl wrote: »

Op, you should be able to go onto job seekers while waiting on a decision re this. The letter you got from them saying it was under review you bring that into the welfare, dont fill out any forms as you are not able to work but will do for payment. It should say this on the letter.

Hi Rubygirl

Thanks for your reply. I just checked and reread the letter it said I should contact my local community welfare officer for an extra payment if I need too but my officer won't see me as my hubby works! I had no idea I cld go to the welfare office with my letter

. Why isn't thing clean cut there's do many grey areas. Should I ring someone to ask them tomorrow?

danjo-xx · 13-02-2013 8:34pm

RubyGirl wrote: »

Op, you should be able to go onto job seekers while waiting on a decision re this. The letter you got from them saying it was under review you bring that into the welfare, dont fill out any forms as you are not able to work but will do for payment. It should say this on the letter.

that would be shooting herself in the foot, and prooving that she is fit for work, CWO Supplementary Welfare Allowance is the way to go or maybe would qualify for Illness Benefit but not sure about that.

piggychops · 13-02-2013 8:39pm

danjo-xx wrote: »

that would be shooting herself in the foot, and prooving that she is fit for work, CWO Supplementary Welfare Allowance is the way to go or maybe would qualify for Illness Benefit!!

Thanks for your reply
The first thing the cwo asked me was my hubby working and I said yes. Was I in receipt of a medical card I said no then she said there's nothing she can help me with as it's a payment for people who really need it!! Oh joy! It's such a balls the system takes so long!

danjo-xx · 13-02-2013 8:48pm

As per the guidelines payment will continue as long as you are deemed unfit to work, they haven't reached that decision as of yet so what right have they got to stop your payment in advance of the outcome.

I know their not popular but would you consider seeing your local t.d. for help/support.

piggychops · 13-02-2013 9:07pm

danjo-xx wrote: »

As per the guidelines payment will continue as long as you are deemed unfit to work, they haven't reached that decision as of yet so what right have they got to stop your payment in advance of the outcome.

I know their not popular but would you consider seeing your local t.d. for help/support.

I did. I have gotten advice from my local td. He has made applications to them for me, he never commented on the payment being stopped ..... I know I thought you were innocent until proven guilty. I know if I get it reinstated I will get the arreas back but what good is that now when u are scraping the pot now!

RubyGirl · 13-02-2013 9:08pm

Now maybe it's different but I was on illness benefit for a while and got called to the welfare doctor and while I was waiting on a decision I was told to sign on. I went to office and handed in the letter they gave me and I started getting job seekers (even though I was'nt seeking). Worth a phone call anyway and my husband was working full time.

piggychops · 13-02-2013 9:18pm

RubyGirl wrote: »

Now maybe it's different but I was on illness benefit for a while and got called to the welfare doctor and while I was waiting on a decision I was told to sign on. I went to office and handed in the letter they gave me and I started getting job seekers (even though I was'nt seeking). Worth a phone call anyway and my husband was working full time.

Will do thanks

for all the advice. I just want it sorted. It's getting so hard at this stage. It's so unfair. I have a honest problem

irishpancake · 14-02-2013 10:34pm

RubyGirl wrote: »

Op, you should be able to go onto job seekers while waiting on a decision re this. The letter you got from them saying it was under review you bring that into the welfare, dont fill out any forms as you are not able to work but will do for payment. It should say this on the letter.

Jesus Christ....don't do that!!!! As danjo says below, you would be saying you are fit to work, you would have to probably a final cert, or something from doctor. CWO is an option, but they consider your joint means......

I would suspect something happened, perhaps a phone call from someone?? Neighbours??

From your OP, I see "payment suspended.....and they wanted more info".

I find the language strange, and it indicates to me more of being on a FÁS course or work, by agreement with DSP. Was this the case? Although, below indicates that you retain IP while on courses??

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/social_welfare_payments_and_work/disability_payments_and_work.html

If you are a FÁS trainee on Invalidity Pension or Illness Benefit, you will get a standard FÁS training allowance plus your full social welfare payment including any increases you get for your dependents. You must apply for prior written permission from DSP before you can take up a training course.

Again, as per danjo below, have your TD check this out with DSP on your behalf, are you being investigated? He or she could even raise this as a Parliamentary Question [PQ] to the Minister, which will at least mean you should get an answer...see below from Dail Question [319] re IP....selected randomly:

http://oireachtasdebates.oireachtas.ie/debates%20authoring/debateswebpack.nsf/takes/dail1999121400207?opendocument#

319. Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if an exemption under rule four of the disability scheme will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Sligo. [26799/99]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern): The person concerned was awarded invalidity pension on 27 June 1985. One of the qualifying conditions for receipt of invalidity pension is that the claimant must be considered to be permanently incapable of work. One of the rules which must be observed by persons in receipt of invalidity pension is not to [1523] engage in work whether on his-her own account or on behalf of any other person.

An exemption from this rule may be obtained where the employment is of a rehabilitative nature, with prior written permission of my Department. The person concerned applied for an exemption in order to take up employment as a taxi driver. Based on all the facts, including the advice of the Department's chief medical adviser, the application was refused, as the employment was not considered rehabilitative.

The person concerned was subsequently found to be employed as a driver and payment of pension was suspended on the grounds of failure to comply with the rules of the scheme. The grounds for suspension were outlined to the person and he was given the opportunity to respond.

As no response was received in the matter he has been disqualified from receiving payment of pension for failure to observe the rules of behaviour as provided for in the legislation.

If you are still deemed to be unfit for work, as per original decision, I fail to see how your payment has been stopped.

If you qualify for Invalidity Pension and you remain incapable of work, the payment continues until your 66th birthday. You will then be automatically transferred to the State Pension

I find one aspect of your interaction with your local TD interesting, if I may quote:

piggychops wrote: »

I did. I have gotten advice from my local td. He has made applications to them for me, he never commented on the payment being stopped ..... I know I thought you were innocent until proven guilty. I know if I get it reinstated I will get the arreas back but what good is that now when u are scraping the pot now!

Have you any reason to say that regarding innocent until proven guilty??

There is some more interesting information here regarding new rules and the introduction of a new Partial Capacity Benefit for those who wish to take up employment, by agreement, and continue to receive either full payment or the new arrangement, as outlined in the linked document.

http://www.inou.ie/workingforwork/4/invalidity-pension-ip-returning-to-employment/

danjo-xx wrote: »

that would be shooting herself in the foot, and prooving that she is fit for work, CWO Supplementary Welfare Allowance is the way to go or maybe would qualify for Illness Benefit but not sure about that.

danjo-xx wrote: »

As per the guidelines payment will continue as long as you are deemed unfit to work, they haven't reached that decision as of yet so what right have they got to stop your payment in advance of the outcome.

I know their not popular but would you consider seeing your local t.d. for help/support.

Hopefully this reply will be of some assistance to you...there are others here who may be able to give more extensive advice, [Mrs Byrne]???

hawthorne · 14-02-2013 11:45pm

You will NOT shoot yourself in the foot by signing on to JB or JSA.
It is standard practice in cases like this and you will NOT declare yourself fit for work in signing on.
You are signing on onto JB/JSA "for administrative purposes only"- as it is defined in DoSP regulations.
When you sign on, tell the staff that you are appealing a decison- I hope you have done so by now- and have to sign on until your case is finally cleared. You will NOT be required to look for work , but have to follow all signing on procedures as the rest .
When you get your signing on papers to sign, cross out the paragraph where it is stated that you "are fit for work and have been genuinely and consistently looking for work...bla bla bla" and sign it the way you changed it.
I have been there myself some years ago. You will get your payment until your case has been settled- one way or the other.
No need to go to a TD or a CWO officer. Go straight to the dole office and tell them what you want. They will not object.
It might take some time until your claim/money comes through. JB is very quick, JSA takes longer.

Invalidity pension

Comments