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Illness Benefit and FAS

  • 14-03-2016 12:19pm
    #1
    LegacyUser
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭


    I'm currently on illness benefit as i suffer from chronic pain in my neck and shoulder which is exacerbated by certain activities especially when using a computer which is why i had to go on sick leave. It doesn't seem to improving at all and i've been on sick leave for a few months now. I can only use the computer for an hour most days so i can't really do much on a computer to keep me occupied. My gp reckons it could take another couple of months for it to recover fully.

    A relative of mine who is training to be a GP recommended that i should try and apply for a FAS course to learn something to keep me occupied as it would give me some sort of structure and help improve my mood. It would have to be a field where it wouldn't have too much impact on my neck and shoulder, so that would rule out using a computer. Since i'm on illness benefit , would the social welfare office ignore my request to do a FAS course??

    Thoughts??


Comments

  • #2
    mp22
    Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Regional South Moderators Posts: 6,854 Mod ✭✭✭✭mp22


    You cannot work while you are getting Illness Benefit (you can do voluntary work in some cases). If you have a current Illness Benefit claim and have been getting Illness Benefit for at least 6 months you can apply for Partial Capacity Benefit (PCB). PCB is a scheme which allows you to return to work (if you have a reduced capacity to work) and continue to receive a social welfare payment. A Medical Assessor (who is a doctor employed by the Department of Social Protection (DSP)) will assess the restriction on your capacity for work, and the personal rate of PCB paid is based on this assessment. You cannot take up work until you have written approval to do so from the DSP.
    You cannot undertake a training or educational course or do voluntary work without prior, written approval from the Department of Social Protection. You must apply to the Illness Benefit section for this approval. From 1 January 2014 new participants on SOLAS training courses can retain Illness Benefit but cannot get a training allowance or training bonus at the same time.


    From here http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/disability_and_illness/disability_benefit.html


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