Illness Benefit - Medical Report Request?

penovine · 05-09-2016 3:27pm #1

Hi I have been on illness benefit for the last year with Anxiety and Depression.
I had a medical review in April and the result was that I had to hand in certs every month as oppose to every week.
I assumed that I would be called or another review in 6 months.
However today in the post I got a Medical Report which my doctor has to fill out and send in.. I didn't know about this - is this the norm? Should I be worried? Are they thinking of taking me off illness benefit?
As of last week I was with my doctor - I am making progress but he says I still have some distance to go before I should think about returning to work.
Thanks in advance

mp22 · 05-09-2016 6:19pm

Thats normal enough ,just make sure your GP fill`s it in and sends it back with in the date on the letter.

penovine · 05-09-2016 9:35pm

mp22 wrote: »

Thats normal enough ,just make sure your GP fill`s it in and sends it back with in the date on the letter.

ok thanks... and would it be ok for my doc to include a letter? there is not a lot of space on the form..

mp22 · 06-09-2016 9:22am

penovine wrote: »

ok thanks... and would it be ok for my doc to include a letter? there is not a lot of space on the form..

Sure

penovine · 06-09-2016 10:08am

mp22 wrote: »

Sure

thanks - another Q - my last (and first) review was in April - it is normal for the 2nd review to come around so fast? ( it says on the report that this is to assess current medical condition and fitness to attend a medical assessment)

mp22 · 06-09-2016 11:01am

penovine wrote: »

thanks - another Q - my last (and first) review was in April - it is normal for the 2nd review to come around so fast? ( it says on the report that this is to assess current medical condition and fitness to attend a medical assessment)

I have no idea,your gp would be the person to ask.

nocoverart · 07-09-2016 12:23pm

I just got this letter as well. I've been on Certs for a few months now but I haven't gotten a diagnosis yet. I'm currently waiting to get certain tests/scans done. My fear now is I'm going to be struck off benefits before I get called in for these tests. All I currently have to go on is a long list of symptoms.

penovine · 07-09-2016 3:31pm

nocoverart wrote: »

I just got this letter as well. I've been on Certs for a few months now but I haven't gotten a diagnosis yet. I'm currently waiting to get certain tests/scans done. My fear now is I'm going to be struck off benefits before I get called in for these tests. All I currently have to go on is a long list of symptoms.

what have you been putting down on your certs?
just ensure that your doc fills it out throughly - there is space on the form for tests you are waiting on/specialists appointment etc...

NUTLEY BOY · 08-09-2016 10:54am

It would help if you could get a photocopy of the report filled in by your G.P. so that you know precisely what is being said. It would be important to know this for the purposes of future dealings with the department.

If you don't get a copy of the report from your G.P. I think that you can request it from Social Protection under the Freedom of Information Act(s).

penovine · 08-09-2016 1:43pm

NUTLEY BOY wrote: »

It would help if you could get a photocopy of the report filled in by your G.P. so that you know precisely what is being said. It would be important to know this for the purposes of future dealings with the department.

If you don't get a copy of the report from your G.P. I think that you can request it from Social Protection under the Freedom of Information Act(s).

Thanks I actually photocopied the form and filled it out for my doc to use (if he was happy to) - I made sure to put everything down.. I was not sure how he would take it - I thought he might think it cheeky - but he was really appreciative for it... so he just copied from that.

So I still have the copy I made him..

I have a great doc in fairness.. he really sees me holistically as oppose to x y z problem

penovine · 01-03-2017 2:26pm

Hi me again regards Illness Benefit.

I have 2 queries in this post"

Medical Report:

So I got my last report for my doc to fill out last september. I didn't get called for a review.
But today I got another report and a questionnaire for my doc to fill out and return - why did i get this again so soon??

Illness Benefit Vs Social Benefit:

I am still employed in theory - and I would like to start working again perhaps maybe part time - but I do NOT want to go back to my current job; it played a significant role in my illness in the first place.
And as I am getting so many medical reports to fill out so often - I am afraid that I will loose my benefit before I find a new job.
I am wondering if I can change to Social Benefit from Illness Benefit but would I have to be fired by my current employer? If i leave I assume i cannot get Social Welfare?
I am thinking of asking work if they would mutually end the contract - as I am really not fit to go back there - I know it in my mind and body.
If they agree then I am thinking I could switch to Social Benefit and look for a job without the stress of worrying about whether or not my Illness Benefit will continue?

I would really appreciate good advice - I am clueless when it comes to all things social welfare related - and there is so much info but its like another language.

Stress and depression is my main problem so I would like to do what would be best for me ie" not add more stress.

Thanks very much in advance.

Mrs OBumble · 01-03-2017 4:05pm

If your doctor signed off that you cannot go back to the old job, then there's no benefit standdown. (Need to check with welfare exactly what paperwork would be needed to do this).

BUT you can only go on unemployment (ie "social benefits") if you are able for full-time work. So unless your doctor is willing to sign you as able for this, you need to stay on Illness.

TBH, I don't think that at a medical report every six months is all that often.

And if you are still sick according to your doctor, then there should not be anything to worry about.

penovine · 01-03-2017 5:33pm

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

If your doctor signed off that you cannot go back to the old job, then there's no benefit standdown. (Need to check with welfare exactly what paperwork would be needed to do this).

BUT you can only go on unemployment (ie "social benefits") if you are able for full-time work. So unless your doctor is willing to sign you as able for this, you need to stay on Illness.

TBH, I don't think that at a medical report every six months is all that often.

And if you are still sick according to your doctor, then there should not be anything to worry about.

No i would not be able to look for full time work - and my doc would support me on such - so can you only be on Social Benefit as oppose to Illness Benefit if you are only able to work full time?
My doc supports me in the fact that I should not return to my current job - but he thinks that it might be a good idea to get some part time work that would suit my physical and mental recovery else where...

So in light of that should I remain on illness benefit? I think I would prefer come off illness benefit as its so stressful what with the reviews - would like to perhaps so on SB and look for part time work - are you saying that this is not possible?

So confused.

myappeal · 02-03-2017 2:46pm

Hi Penovine,

Just adding to some of the comments here.

One thing to bear in mind in relation to any qualification for Illness Benefit are the DSP rules:

You may qualify for Illness Benefit if you:

- are unable to work due to illness,
- satisfy the PRSI conditions,

and

- are under age 66.

Note that it says unable to work, not just unable to work at the job you were doing. If the DSP form the opinion that you are fit for some type of work, they could seek to suggest that you are not 'unfit for work' in the context of Illness Benefit.

If your doctor states that you are fit for 'some type of work/part-time work' this could possibly be an issue.

Other posters are correct in that Jobseekers Benefit/Allowance requires that you are available for full-time employment, if you are only physically able for part-time employment you will not qualify for Jobseekers Benefit/Allowance.

Regards,

penovine · 02-03-2017 7:23pm

myappeal wrote: »

Hi Penovine,

Just adding to some of the comments here.

One thing to bear in mind in relation to any qualification for Illness Benefit are the DSP rules:

You may qualify for Illness Benefit if you:

- are unable to work due to illness,
- satisfy the PRSI conditions,

and

- are under age 66.

Note that it says unable to work, not just unable to work at the job you were doing. If the DSP form the opinion that you are fit for some type of work, they could seek to suggest that you are not 'unfit for work' in the context of Illness Benefit.

If your doctor states that you are fit for 'some type of work/part-time work' this could possibly be an issue.

Other posters are correct in that Jobseekers Benefit/Allowance requires that you are available for full-time employment, if you are only physically able for part-time employment you will not qualify for Jobseekers Benefit/Allowance.

Regards,

Hi ok thanks for all of that.. good to know..
But seems that one is between a rock and a hard place? As in, I think I am fit for work part time - but that this is not allowed with illness benefit yet its not allowed with job seekers/allowance either? I am right in saying that? if so, what happens to people who wanna look for part time work? If thats what the doc recommends?

myappeal · 03-03-2017 10:45am

Hi penovine,

Yes, unfortunately you are quite right.

In order to qualify for a disability related payment you must be unfit for work - any type of work - not just your previous job/line of work.

Equally, for jobseekers, you must be available for full-time work, only being available for part-time work does not qualify a person for a jobseekers payment.

But remember, if you are fully unfit for work and qualify for a Invalidity Pension, you can then seek to take up work while on Invalidity Pension, but you will have to transfer to the Partial Capacity Benefit payment - you will find more information on this on CitizensInformation.ie

You will need to be in receipt of IP first, then apply for the PCB with the approval of DSP.

I know its a bit of long and arduous route, but your options are limited - either fit for full time or unfit for any... and they seek the PCB route.

If you are on IP you can contact EmployAbility, a state funded service that helps people with disabilities seek and find work.

Hope this helps.

Regards

hawthorne · 03-03-2017 11:41am

penovine wrote: »

No i would not be able to look for full time work - and my doc would support me on such - so can you only be on Social Benefit as oppose to Illness Benefit if you are only able to work full time?
My doc supports me in the fact that I should not return to my current job - but he thinks that it might be a good idea to get some part time work that would suit my physical and mental recovery else where...

So in light of that should I remain on illness benefit? I think I would prefer come off illness benefit as its so stressful what with the reviews - would like to perhaps so on SB and look for part time work - are you saying that this is not possible?

So confused.

This is the way forward for you:
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/disability_and_illness/partial_capacity_benefit.html

myappeal · 03-03-2017 1:06pm

You can also have a look at:

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/employment_and_disability/supported_employment_for_people_with_disabilities.html

penovine · 03-03-2017 4:14pm

myappeal wrote: »

Hi penovine,

Yes, unfortunately you are quite right.

In order to qualify for a disability related payment you must be unfit for work - any type of work - not just your previous job/line of work.

Equally, for jobseekers, you must be available for full-time work, only being available for part-time work does not qualify a person for a jobseekers payment.

But remember, if you are fully unfit for work and qualify for a Invalidity Pension, you can then seek to take up work while on Invalidity Pension, but you will have to transfer to the Partial Capacity Benefit payment - you will find more information on this on CitizensInformation.ie

You will need to be in receipt of IP first, then apply for the PCB with the approval of DSP.

I know its a bit of long and arduous route, but your options are limited - either fit for full time or unfit for any... and they seek the PCB route.

If you are on IP you can contact EmployAbility, a state funded service that helps people with disabilities seek and find work.

Hope this helps.

Regards

Hi thanks - I am on Illness Benefit - not Invalidity Pension.. but I see from the citizen advice site that I can stil apply for PCB when in receipt for Illness Benefit for 6 months or more..

myappeal wrote: »

You can also have a look at:

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/employment_and_disability/supported_employment_for_people_with_disabilities.html

Thanks - gosh its soooo convoluted - I had anxiety trying to read and understand all the ins and outs of the info on the websites..

But thanks for all the info - will get on to it

PS i have a job (in theory) and I actually would like to go back 1/2 days a week to start.. like they have offered..
I thought i would not go back but i think it would be a good idea to.. and they said I have their support etc
Does this make applying for PCB easier? So worried about all the assessments..

amtc · 05-03-2017 5:20am

What you could do is casual...work less than three days a week and claim for rest

penovine · 05-03-2017 6:50pm

amtc wrote: »

What you could do is casual...work less than three days a week and claim for rest

claim for the rest? do you mean via PCB?

penovine · 08-03-2017 2:53pm

Hi Folks, so turns out that work can only offer a phased in time period back to work - start 2 days a week then 3 then full time - there are no part time positions - my contract is full time. But I know I will not be able for this.
I thought that they were offering me part time work indefinitely. But no.
So I am not sure what to do now.

If I give work a go and end illness benefit but it is transpires that I am not able for full time can I go back on illness benefit?

eo125 · 09-03-2017 3:19pm

for rules wrt to illness benefit etc. check out www.citizensinformation.ie

and, if i can add my 2c worth, it seems from your questions, that you're still very anxious & worried. Maybe you should be concentrating on getting better and take the help and time necessary to do this.

penovine · 09-03-2017 9:06pm

eo125 wrote: »

for rules wrt to illness benefit etc. check out www.citizensinformation.ie

and, if i can add my 2c worth, it seems from your questions, that you're still very anxious & worried. Maybe you should be concentrating on getting better and take the help and time necessary to do this.

yeah perhaps - i know that i am still on the road of recovery - but lets hope illness benefit see it that way - doc filled out a med report on me today and i had to fill out a questionnaire - felt like i was exposing my soul.. mental health ... oh to be well...

LegacyUser · 19-07-2018 7:59am

Hi, I had a knee cap and femur surgeries after a bad accident in april. I'm on illness benefit 3 months now. I was moved to monthly certs last week. Today I got a letter to asses my condition.

I have very stiff knee with only 30% bending on a good day and pain in tight where the breaks were. My outpatient physio only started 20 days ago and happens for 15min every 2 weeks. I am happy the hospital offers this service but unfortunately it is not enough for me I am showing almost no improvement.
My father lives abroad and offered to but me a ticket to go home for 20 day intense water rehabilitation ( apoerantly with best results in my case). I wanted to go but I'm afraid i may miss examination. On top of all worries I also find out I was pregnant since before the accident. Therefore it's really important to me to get well faster as the kilograms will build up and my muscles aren't strong enough to even lift my leg 20 cm off the bed. I on l y have 4 months to get better and become able to look after my first child.

My questions:

How long does it take from recieving this gp form to being called in? Shal l I speak to the illness benefit people and explain what I want to do? How to approach the whole thing altogether?

I can't afford to loose the benefit, but at same time I can't afford proper recovery here either.

Any advice is welcomed.

Thanks for your time!

hawthorne · 02-08-2018 6:46pm

If you got called for an assessment, you must have gotten a precise date,time and location for the assessment. That should give you plenty of room for any plans.
If you want to travel abroad, you must ask the department first for permission. Don't worry- you will get it.
When you are being assessed, tell the doctor everything. Be honest about the whole thing and tell them how much it affects your daily life. Of course you should tell them as well how you intend to move forward to better your situation.
If I would be you I would use a walking aid for a better demonstration of your problem to the medical assessor.
Looking at your description I am quite sure you will have no problems for a continuation of your IB.

Illness Benefit - Medical Report Request?

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