Disability Allowance Arrears

Toxica

My brother was awarded his DA in April and was told then he could expect his arrears in 3 weeks, no sign of them 3 weeks on. My mother rang the Dept back then and they said he would receive them around June. She rang again today and now they're saying he won't get them until August!

Anyone else experiencing delays like this, it's crazy, what have they been doing for the past 2 months?!

mrsbyrne

The section is understaffed and dealing with hundreds of applications. Your brother is in "payment" so he's not a priority.Arrears are being dealt with as and when they find the time. repeatedly ringing up to enquire takes up time that could be spent processing claims and will not result in your brothers arrears being paid to him any quicker.

Toxica

Well, that was an unhelpful reply. It's not like we have been ringing everyday. We rang today because they told us back in April that he would be getting his arrears in June.

myshirt

Toxica wrote: »

Well, that was an unhelpful reply. It's not like we have been ringing everyday. We rang today because they told us back in April that he would be getting his arrears in June.

I get your frustration, but to be fair, Mrs Byrne is giving you the reality of the situation, and in good faith to try help you understand what's at hand.

If you have a grievance with the department, maybe you could reduce this to writing and send it to them? That would be my advice.

Toxica

I was asking for replies from others who were experiencing delays. Perhaps I didn't make that clear enough. What's the point in writing when they're going to say the same thing they did on the phone?

mrsbyrne

Toxica wrote: »

I was asking for replies from others who were experiencing delays. Perhaps I didn't make that clear enough. What's the point in writing when they're going to say the same thing they did on the phone?

Your question was "what have they being doing for 2 months?" I answered that question. Is there something else you want to query?

Toxica

No thanks

chrispin

Hi Toxica I am currently in the same boat as your brother and i am waiting on arears money
since march 26th.I rang the DEPT this morning and i was told they are currently working on
claims issued on january 22nd so it will probably be august before i see the money.Hope this
throws come clarity on the situation......

Toxica

chrispin wrote: »

Hi Toxica I am currently in the same boat as your brother and i am waiting on arears money
since march 26th.I rang the DEPT this morning and i was told they are currently working on
claims issued on january 22nd so it will probably be august before i see the money.Hope this
throws come clarity on the situation......

Thanks. They need more staff in this department, it's ridiculous that people are waiting so long for these arrears. It's worth getting in touch with your local TD if you are struggling/in debt whilst waiting for these arrears, they seem to be able to hurry things along. My mother did and it looks like my brother will be receiving his some time next week.

DollyB

Hi Toxica, 100% feel the frustration. Wondering did you hear anything back yet?

My husband is waiting for over a years worth in arrears. I understand the department is very understaffed. But when you went without the money for so long while waiting to get accepted it would be fantastic if they could deal with your arrears at the same time as processing a successful application!

I was awarded disability myself in 2011 and had my arrears within 3 weeks.