Refused Illness Benefit-Pregnant..

venusdoom

Hi All,
Just looking for advice as I'm stuck on what to do. I've been put off work this past few weeks with sciatica. I'm in the early stages of pregnancy also but not sure the two are related. Now here's my problems- I've been refused illness benefit as I was unemployed in 2016 which I understand as I failed to meet the conditions for the payment. I now feel like my sciatica is getting worse, I am in pain even walking today and I feel l will no longer be fit for my job. I work in a creche that involves a lot of bending and carrying babies. I can't change room as every room available will involve bending, lifting and changing children. I've a doctor's appointment later so will get more clarity on sciatica and if it'll progress with the pregnancy. I don't know where to go from here in regards to what I do/say to work, my entitlements (which I don't think I have many) and also maternity benefit in the future. The illness benefit form also said if I continue to be off work I should still put in weekly sick certs as "credited contributions may be awarded". I'm kind of all over the place here so any direction would be kindly appreciated. Thanks.

wifey28

you could try goingto the social welfare officer to see if theyll paay you, but yes if your off work you do still need to hand in weekly certs.

As far as the illness ben is concerned imafraid if you dont have the contributions then there isnt much you can do, actually i think theres nothing at all you can do.

venusdoom

Thanks for your reply. I've a feeling I won't get anything from the SWO as if it is based on means, we're over the mark. I've never received benefits while unemployed due to being over the threshold from husband's wages. I've accepted the fact I won't get illness benefit, just what to do now in regards to my job now and if i'll be entitled to maternity benefit when time comes if I have to remain off work (which I don't really want to do).

wifey28

as long as your employed when you apply for mat ben as far as i remember you are entitled to it. (cant remember if its means tested or not tho)

So you would have to keep your job but jsut be signed off and handing in certs