meet Welfare official outside of local office?

LazySamaritan

Hi,

My girlfriend has asked to look for information to help her brother and the Social Welfare/Citizen's Information helplines don't open until Tuesday so anything anyone can tell me would be great.

Does anyone know if staff at the Social Welfare office ever meet claiments in other locations outside of the office? Like a room at community centre or something. He is crippled by OCD at the moment and cannot get himself in their door. I don't really understand the hows and whys of it except that he is in the process of getting help with it. He is generally okay and I've seen him make progress but the actual Social Welfare office just seems to be major kryptonite for him.

If someone from Welfare was willing to meet him offsite for him to make his claim, there is no way around signing on each month, is there? Or does anyone know if there is a solution to that too? I have a vague recollection of my sister getting Jobseeker's Allowance years ago and after a certain period, when she started getting paid into the bank, she didn't sign on in the local office again, or least not as much. I can't get in touch with my sister at the moment so can anyone set me start on that - am I way off in what my memory is telling me there?

Also, the guy has been out of work for years and living (very modestly) of savings and a redundancy. Will that cause difficulty with a claim? He has no P45.

Even if it not possible to lodge a claim outside of the main office, knowing that information keeps us moving forward with him. I'm certain there must be help in Social Welfare for people with different conditions as he can't be first in this situation.

Thanks in advance

EDIT - Should we be talking about a disability allowance instead of a Jobseeker's Allowance? He isn't fit for the workplace at the moment so isn't actually looking for a job - trying to get himself better first.

Graces7

LazySamaritan wrote: »

Hi,

My girlfriend has asked to look for information to help her brother and the Social Welfare/Citizen's Information helplines don't open until Tuesday so anything anyone can tell me would be great.

Does anyone know if staff at the Social Welfare office ever meet claiments in other locations outside of the office? Like a room at community centre or something. He is crippled by OCD at the moment and cannot get himself in their door. I don't really understand the hows and whys of it except that he is in the process of getting help with it. He is generally okay and I've seen him make progress but the actual Social Welfare office just seems to be major kryptonite for him.

If someone from Welfare was willing to meet him offsite for him to make his claim, there is no way around signing on each month, is there? Or does anyone know if there is a solution to that too? I have a vague recollection of my sister getting Jobseeker's Allowance years ago and after a certain period, when she started getting paid into the bank, she didn't sign on in the local office again, or least not as much. I can't get in touch with my sister at the moment so can anyone set me start on that - am I way off in what my memory is telling me there?

Also, the guy has been out of work for years and living (very modestly) of savings and a redundancy. Will that cause difficulty with a claim? He has no P45.

Even if it not possible to lodge a claim outside of the main office, knowing that information keeps us moving forward with him. I'm certain there must be help in Social Welfare for people with different conditions as he can't be first in this situation.

Thanks in advance

EDIT - Should we be talking about a disability allowance instead of a Jobseeker's Allowance? He isn't fit for the workplace at the moment so isn't actually looking for a job - trying to get himself better first.

I think you need a medical input/ certification on this. I really do. And yes I think too that disablilty etc. Please can you go into or call Citizens info on Tuesday as they will help you and are experts .

Yes there is help but it needs the right approach

And good luck; he is lucky to have you to care and help

LazySamaritan

Graces7 wrote: »

I think you need a medical input/ certification on this. I really do. And yes I think too that disablilty etc. Please can you go into or call Citizens info on Tuesday as they will help you and are experts .

Yes there is help but it needs the right approach

And good luck; he is lucky to have you to care and help

I know that he asked his GP for a letter of some sort. We are indeed going to contact Social Welfare and Citizen's Information to confirm anything told here but we were just hoping for a bit information to keeps going in the meantime.

Is it better for the guy to phone welfare himself or should someone do it on his behalf? I've gone over such a phone cal in my head and it sounds like a strange conversation to me, so I'm thinking it might to the person the other end too.

I care, however this will be the limit of my involvement. My girlfriend is well able for what is to come she just doesn't like the internet.

splinter65

LazySamaritan wrote: »

Hi,

My girlfriend has asked to look for information to help her brother and the Social Welfare/Citizen's Information helplines don't open until Tuesday so anything anyone can tell me would be great.

Does anyone know if staff at the Social Welfare office ever meet claiments in other locations outside of the office? Like a room at community centre or something. He is crippled by OCD at the moment and cannot get himself in their door. I don't really understand the hows and whys of it except that he is in the process of getting help with it. He is generally okay and I've seen him make progress but the actual Social Welfare office just seems to be major kryptonite for him.

If someone from Welfare was willing to meet him offsite for him to make his claim, there is no way around signing on each month, is there? Or does anyone know if there is a solution to that too? I have a vague recollection of my sister getting Jobseeker's Allowance years ago and after a certain period, when she started getting paid into the bank, she didn't sign on in the local office again, or least not as much. I can't get in touch with my sister at the moment so can anyone set me start on that - am I way off in what my memory is telling me there?

Also, the guy has been out of work for years and living (very modestly) of savings and a redundancy. Will that cause difficulty with a claim? He has no P45.

Even if it not possible to lodge a claim outside of the main office, knowing that information keeps us moving forward with him. I'm certain there must be help in Social Welfare for people with different conditions as he can't be first in this situation.

Thanks in advance

EDIT - Should we be talking about a disability allowance instead of a Jobseeker's Allowance? He isn't fit for the workplace at the moment so isn't actually looking for a job - trying to get himself better first.

Definitely won’t get Jobseekers as he’s not fit for work.
He needs to apply for DA which doesn’t include signing on or visiting the SW office.
You can download the form from citizens or SW website right now and fill it in, his GP needs to fill in part of it.
He needs to write a letter to accompany the application explaining his condition and how it affects his ability to go to work.
Good luck.

LazySamaritan

splinter65 wrote: »

Definitely won’t get Jobseekers as he’s not fit for work.
He needs to apply for DA which doesn’t include signing on or visiting the SW office.
You can download the form from citizens or SW website right now and fill it in, his GP needs to fill in part of it.
He needs to write a letter to accompany the application explaining his condition and how it affects his ability to go to work.
Good luck.

Okay this is great news.
I assume that he will have to meet with someone from Welfare as part of the application though, yes?

Just some other background - he was living abroad for a little while and hasn't worked since returning 3 (maybe 4) years ago. Will he face difficulty over this and questions as to how he lived with no income?

splinter65

LazySamaritan wrote: »

Okay this is great news.
I assume that he will have to meet with someone from Welfare as part of the application though, yes?

Just some other background - he was living abroad for a little while and hasn't worked since returning 3 (maybe 4) years ago. Will he face difficulty over this and questions as to how he lived with no income?

No he won’t have to meet with anyone. It’s possible that a SW Inspector MAY want to come and see him at home, but it’s not usual.
But he would not have to attend the SW office.
He is filling the form, supplying evidence of his current income (including bank/post office/credit union statements) his GP is completing part, he is writing a letter explains his situation and posting it all off to Longford, where Disability applications are processed . It’s a question then of waiting.
IF he is refused then he can Appeal.
Yes he may have problems explaining how he has lived with no income. He should address this as clearly and honestly as possible in the letter.
If he has been living on savings then this will be obvious in the bank statements.
If he has been getting “cash” help from his family then he will have to say that they are no longer in a position to help him.
One way or the other they will expect an explanation.

LazySamaritan

splinter65 wrote: »

No he won’t have to meet with anyone. It’s possible that a SW Inspector MAY want to come and see him at home, but it’s not usual.
But he would not have to attend the SW office.
He is filling the form, supplying evidence of his current income (including bank/post office/credit union statements) his GP is completing part, he is writing a letter explains his situation and posting it all off to Longford, where Disability applications are processed . It’s a question then of waiting.
IF he is refused then he can Appeal.
Yes he may have problems explaining how he has lived with no income. He should address this as clearly and honestly as possible in the letter.
If he has been living on savings then this will be obvious in the bank statements.
If he has been getting “cash” help from his family then he will have to say that they are no longer in a position to help him.
One way or the other they will expect an explanation.

Sorry for the delay in thanking you for that help. I was certain I had done so before logging out that day.


I'm not sure if I should ask this new question in this thread or start a new one, but does anyone know if the waiting time on Social Welfare applications is still the 15 week average (for disability) that it was in February of this year?

splinter65

LazySamaritan wrote: »

Sorry for the delay in thanking you for that help. I was certain I had done so before logging out that day.


I'm not sure if I should ask this new question in this thread or start a new one, but does anyone know if the waiting time on Social Welfare applications is still the 15 week average (for disability) that it was in February of this year?

It’s at least that pretty much all of the time.

LazySamaritan

splinter65 wrote: »

It’s at least that pretty much all of the time.

I wasn't expecting such a swift reply. Thank you.

Elmo

LazySamaritan wrote: »

I wasn't expecting such a swift reply. Thank you.

AFAIK and this should be confirmed but when your application is going through you keep your jobseekers payment and if you put in an appeal it continues until that decision is made????? Or at least at the appeal stage.

Wanderer78

LazySamaritan wrote:

I'm not sure if I should ask this new question in this thread or start a new one, but does anyone know if the waiting time on Social Welfare applications is still the 15 week average (for disability) that it was in February of this year?

The chances of receiving disability on first application is low as well, so just be prepared for that. 'Supplementary welfare' may also be an option if not successful first time around, and issues arise on receiving jobseekers.

LazySamaritan

splinter65 wrote: »

It’s at least that pretty much all of the time.

Will payment begin when it is approved or will it be back dated to the application date?

LazySamaritan

Elmo wrote: »

AFAIK and this should be confirmed but when your application is going through you keep your jobseekers payment and if you put in an appeal it continues until that decision is made????? Or at least at the appeal stage.

Thanks for the input, however, there was no jobseeker's allowance being paid.

Wanderer78 wrote: »

The chances of receiving disability on first application is low as well, so just be prepared for that. 'Supplementary welfare' may also be an option if not successful first time around, and issues arise on receiving jobseekers.

Really? Is that because the condition isn't physical?

That Has put a dampener on things and not sure if I should tell him that.

Wanderer78

LazySamaritan wrote: »

Will payment begin when it is approved or will it be back dated to the application date?

payment date will be notified in the acceptance letter, normally very soon after notification, i also think some payments are back dated, but splinter will have more definite information.

Wanderer78

LazySamaritan wrote: »

Thanks for the input, however, there was no jobseeker's allowance being paid.

Really? Is that because the condition isn't physical?

That Has put a dampener on things and not sure if I should tell him that.

what social welfare payment is currently being paid, if any?

unfortunately yes, acceptance on first time applications for disability allowance are very low, expect not to be approved on first application. i suspect mental health issues are not as easily accepted via applications, i have met a couple of people that have had their applications rejected on this basis, but i have no absolute data to support my views.

i can understand your situation, i guess you know the person in question better, but preparation for a none acceptance on first application is probably best.

your local citizens information center might be worth visiting for further advice.

http://citizensinformation.ie/en/

splinter65

LazySamaritan wrote: »

Will payment begin when it is approved or will it be back dated to the application date?

Backdated to application date.

LazySamaritan

Wanderer78 wrote: »

what social welfare payment is currently being paid, if any?

unfortunately yes, acceptance on first time applications for disability allowance are very low, expect not to be approved on first application. i suspect mental health issues are not as easily accepted via applications, i have met a couple of people that have had their applications rejected on this basis, but i have no absolute data to support my views.

i can understand your situation, i guess you know the person in question better, but preparation for a none acceptance on first application is probably best.

your local citizens information center might be worth visiting for further advice.

http://citizensinformation.ie/en/

He is isn't on any social welfare payments.

I Googled it and it was 42% rejection early last year with two thirds of that 42% later accepted on appeal. Knowing this lad's luck he will be part of the one third

I have my doubts he is going be able to to hold himself together for that first 15 weeks, let alone a second set of 15 weeks to appeal.

LazySamaritan

splinter65 wrote: »

Backdated to application date.

Well that is a bit of good news anyway.

Wanderer78

LazySamaritan wrote: »

He is isn't on any social welfare payments.

I Googled it and it was 42% rejection early last year with two thirds of that 42% later accepted on appeal. Knowing this lad's luck he will be part of the one third

I have my doubts he is going be able to to hold himself together for that first 15 weeks, let alone a second set of 15 weeks to appeal.

'supplementary welfare allowance' might be an option for him

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/supplementary_welfare_schemes/supplementary_welfare_allowance_scheme.html

'illness benefit' might also be an option, but its probably best to talk to citizens information

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

splinter65

LazySamaritan wrote: »

He is isn't on any social welfare payments.

I Googled it and it was 42% rejection early last year with two thirds of that 42% later accepted on appeal. Knowing this lad's luck he will be part of the one third

I have my doubts he is going be able to to hold himself together for that first 15 weeks, let alone a second set of 15 weeks to appeal.

The 42% who are refused are mostly those who don’t meet the criteria at all and the rest just don’t make a good enough case for themselves. You have to explain clearly and thoroughly why you are too unwell to work.

Wanderer78

splinter65 wrote: »

The 42% who are refused are mostly those who don’t meet the criteria at all and the rest just don’t make a good enough case for themselves. You have to explain clearly and thoroughly why you are too unwell to work.

and have all the necessary medical evidence to support the application, which in the case of some mental health issues, can actually be difficult to get.

splinter65

Wanderer78 wrote: »

and have all the necessary medical evidence to support the application, which in the case of some mental health issues, can actually be difficult to get.

Wanderer you and I always go at it over this. Look, nearly 2/3 of applications are approved first time. Only a percentage of the applications are on mental health grounds. I’ve experience of far more mental health applications being approved first time then declined. That’s because people have had proper help with their application.

Wanderer78

splinter65 wrote: »

Wanderer you and I always go at it over this. Look, nearly 2/3 of applications are approved first time. Only a percentage of the applications are on mental health grounds. I’ve experience of far more mental health applications being approved first time then declined. That’s because people have had proper help with their application.

agree, but i am coming across more and more people with mental health issues that simply do not have access to the help needed to gain such services, i know people who have had mental health issues most of their lives and simply cannot afford assessments to help with their applications to disability. ive met people that have had no choice but spend a grand or so on assessments, in order to help them with their applications. you will find many people with such issues simply do not have access to this kind of money. ive met many people with mental health issues that simply do not apply because of such reasons, knowing they will simply not be accepted, you will also find learning disabilities such as dyslexia would also be common with such individuals.

LazySamaritan

splinter65 wrote: »

The 42% who are refused are mostly those who don’t meet the criteria at all and the rest just don’t make a good enough case for themselves. You have to explain clearly and thoroughly why you are too unwell to work.

Thanks for that. He wrote a very detailed letter explaining his situation and how it came about. My girlfriend was concerned he was actually telling them more than he should.

Wanderer78 wrote: »

and have all the necessary medical evidence to support the application, which in the case of some mental health issues, can actually be difficult to get.

He was in therapy before and made great strides I'm told but it was afterwards that the ground started to go from under him. So there is shortage of evidence and people to speak to it.

Wanderer78

LazySamaritan wrote: »

Thanks for that. He wrote a very detailed letter explaining his situation and how it came about. My girlfriend was concerned he was actually telling them more than he should.

hes probably better off telling as much as possible in regards how his condition affects him on a day to day basis, it would probably help his application, but id be wary of sharing certain information, in particular financial information

LazySamaritan

splinter65 wrote: »

The 42% who are refused are mostly those who don’t meet the criteria at all and the rest just don’t make a good enough case for themselves. You have to explain clearly and thoroughly why you are too unwell to work.

Thanks for that. He wrote a very detailed letter explaining his situation and how it came about. My girlfriend was concerned he was actually telling them more than he should.

Wanderer78 wrote: »

and have all the necessary medical evidence to support the application, which in the case of some mental health issues, can actually be difficult to get.

He was in therapy before and made great strides I'm told but it was afterwards that the ground started to go from under him. So there is shortage of evidence and people to speak to it.

splinter65 wrote: »

Wanderer you and I always go at it over this. Look, nearly 2/3 of applications are approved first time. Only a percentage of the applications are on mental health grounds. I’ve experience of far more mental health applications being approved first time then declined. That’s because people have had proper help with their application.

Wanderer78 wrote: »

agree, but i am coming across more and more people with mental health issues that simply do not have access to the help needed to gain such services, i know people who have had mental health issues most of their lives and simply cannot afford assessments to help with their applications to disability. ive met people that have had no choice but spend a grand or so on assessments, in order to help them with their applications. you will find many people with such issues simply do not have access to this kind of money. ive met many people with mental health issues that simply do not apply because of such reasons, knowing they will simply not be accepted, you will also find learning disabilities such as dyslexia would also be common with such individuals.

You both seem to speaking from a position of more than simply general knowledge or casual meetings with people.

If it isn't impertinent to ask, are you both involved in the social welfare department?

LazySamaritan

Wanderer78 wrote: »

hes probably better off telling as much as possible in regards how his condition affects him on a day to day basis, it would probably help his application, but id be wary of sharing certain information, in particular financial information

The application requested 6 month bank statements so that so speaking about finances was unavoidable.

All that money over the last six months was borrowed. Now that I think of it, I'm sure that he made enough of a point that the money was all borrowed. He might have but I can't be sure. I didn't read the letter myself of course.

EDIT: He did not explain that the majority of the spending was on clothes and that he has got this under more control over the last couple of months - his clothes would get "dirty" and a washing machine wouldn't be enough to clean them so he would throw them out and buy new clothes. I think he was right to not say it was under more control because with him it not very permanent control but I'm sure the welfare officer while wonder at the value of giving him money.

splinter65

Wanderer78 wrote: »

agree, but i am coming across more and more people with mental health issues that simply do not have access to the help needed to gain such services, i know people who have had mental health issues most of their lives and simply cannot afford assessments to help with their applications to disability. ive met people that have had no choice but spend a grand or so on assessments, in order to help them with their applications. you will find many people with such issues simply do not have access to this kind of money. ive met many people with mental health issues that simply do not apply because of such reasons, knowing they will simply not be accepted, you will also find learning disabilities such as dyslexia would also be common with such individuals.

Anyone can go to their local Citizens Information Centre and get help with their application including the centre writing to any medical professional involved with the applicant to request relevant information.
It’s free.

Wanderer78

LazySamaritan wrote: »

He was in therapy before and made great strides I'm told but it was afterwards that the ground started to go from under him. So there is shortage of evidence and people to speak to it.

You both seem to speaking from a position of more than simply general knowledge or casual meetings with people.

If it isn't impertinent to ask, are you both involved in the social welfare department?

no i do not work for the department, and i feel sorry for the folks that do, id imagine its very stressful work at times. the truth be told, im dyslexic and autistic, and ive struggled with mental health issues most of my life in the form of anxiety and depression, i would also have elements of ocd in my personality, so i can identify with the person in question, but these are manageable.

LazySamaritan wrote: »

The application requested 6 month bank statements so that so speaking about finances was unavoidable.

All that money over the last six months was borrowed. Now that I think of it, I'm sure that he made enough of a point that the money was all borrowed. He might have but I can't be sure. I didn't read the letter myself of course.

i have seen the disability application form, its very daunting, and for somebody with a learning disability such as mine, it would be sheer terror to fill out.

sadly i do feel our social welfare system, in particular applications to critical services such as disability are more weighted towards physical disabilities, such is the complexity of mental health issues, leaving many with complex mental issues, as discussed, in limbo-land.

in the application form for disability, was there any information included from the mental health professionals that dealt with the person in question, in the form of official diagnoses and letters etc?

splinter65

LazySamaritan wrote: »

Thanks for that. He wrote a very detailed letter explaining his situation and how it came about. My girlfriend was concerned he was actually telling them more than he should.



He was in therapy before and made great strides I'm told but it was afterwards that the ground started to go from under him. So there is shortage of evidence and people to speak to it.

You could not tell them too much, literally every detail is like a nugget of gold.

Wanderer78

splinter65 wrote: »

Anyone can go to their local Citizens Information Centre and get help with their application including the centre writing to any medical professional involved with the applicant to request relevant information.
It’s free.

this is indeed true, but its important to realise the complexity of mental health issues, going to the local citizens information office may seem too difficult for some individuals, for example, it may seem too dirty for a person with certain ocd complexities, or it could just be too stressful.

splinter65

Wanderer78 wrote: »

hes probably better off telling as much as possible in regards how his condition affects him on a day to day basis, it would probably help his application, but id be wary of sharing certain information, in particular financial information

Wanderer you know you are obliged by law to share all your financial information because it’s a payment that is means tested, so why would you tell him to be “wary”?

Wanderer78

splinter65 wrote: »

You could not tell them too much, literally every detail is like a nugget of gold.

disagree there, some information can be used against the application, resulting in rejection of application, i have seen this happen.

Wanderer78

splinter65 wrote: »

Wanderer you know you are obliged by law to share all your financial information because it’s a payment that is means tested, so why would you tell him to be “wary”?

if a person needs to lie in order to survive, so be it, ive had these conversations with mental health experts

splinter65

Wanderer78 wrote: »

if a person needs to lie in order to survive, so be it, ive had these conversations with mental health experts

And when your lie is uncovered by the debt dept, what then?

Wanderer78

splinter65 wrote: »

And when your lie is uncovered by the debt dept, what then?

deal with it when or if it comes, again, ive had these conversations with mental health professionals, you d be surprised what people with these kind of issues have to do to survive, ive worked with people with these kind of issues

LazySamaritan

Wanderer78 wrote: »

no i do not work for the department, and i feel sorry for the folks that do, id imagine its very stressful work at times. the truth be told, im dyslexic and autistic, and ive struggled with mental health issues most of my life in the form of anxiety and depression, i would also have elements of ocd in my personality, so i can identify with the person in question, but these are manageable.

i have seen the disability application form, its very daunting, and for somebody with a learning disability such as mine, it would be sheer terror to fill out.

sadly i do feel our social welfare system, in particular applications to critical services such as disability are more weighted towards physical disabilities, such is the complexity of mental health issues, leaving many with complex mental issues, as discussed, in limbo-land.

in the application form for disability, was there any information included from the mental health professionals that dealt with the person in question, in the form of official diagnoses and letters etc?

I had imagined early on in this that the system would lean more to the physical side of health because it is easier to understand than mental heath and people tend to shy away from the topic - which I thought might go in the lad's favour if the subject is something the officer is uncomfortable with then he/she might just approve it to be rid off it.

There was nothing on the forum for any other doctor except the GP and I believe she added in details and documents regarding the therapy.

LazySamaritan

splinter65 wrote: »

You could not tell them too much, literally every detail is like a nugget of gold.

Great.

Wanderer78 wrote: »

this is indeed true, but its important to realise the complexity of mental health issues, going to the local citizens information office may seem too difficult for some individuals, for example, it may seem too dirty for a person with certain ocd complexities, or it could just be too stressful.

This is very much the case here but my girlfriend took care of that.

I'm here more to educate myself on what to expect - my girlfriend has probably got all this info already but I don't want her to have to discuss it me as well or else her only break from it all is work.

LazySamaritan

Wanderer78 wrote: »

if a person needs to lie in order to survive, so be it, ive had these conversations with mental health experts

splinter65 wrote: »

And when your lie is uncovered by the debt dept, what then?

Wanderer78 wrote: »

deal with it when or if it comes, again, ive had these conversations with mental health professionals, you d be surprised what people with these kind of issues have to do to survive, ive worked with people with these kind of issues

I'm not opposed to lying for survival. I'd do it for a lot less stakes than that.

However, there is no need of it in this case. The inclusion of bank statements is unavoidable and if there is something in there that puts the application in danger then surely the department have to give him the opportunity to explain it?

Wanderer78

LazySamaritan wrote: »

I'm not opposed to lying for survival. I'd do it for a lot less stakes than that.

However, there is no need of it in this case. The inclusion of bank statements is unavoidable and if there is something in there that puts the application in danger then surely the department have to give him the opportunity to explain it?

with the inclusion of gp information, it actually could be successful, only time will tell, but the inclusion of documentation from mental health professionals helps a lot, and may actually help the application over the line. you ll know in due course, and they will give him time to appeal if necessary, and time to explain any issues on his application.

splinter65

Wanderer78 wrote: »

deal with it when or if it comes, again, ive had these conversations with mental health professionals, you d be surprised what people with these kind of issues have to do to survive, ive worked with people with these kind of issues

Yes but if you end up owing money to the department you will still have to pay it back mental illness or no, and you could end up with no payment and in debt, so I wouldn’t advise anyone to attempt to defraud the dept.

Ultimate Seduction

OCD isn't a disability which would stop you from working. Obviously some work won't be possible but there is a roll for everyone. Best of luck.

LazySamaritan

Ultimate Seduction wrote: »

OCD isn't a disability which would stop you from working. Obviously some work won't be possible but there is a roll for everyone. Best of luck.

No, there isn't one kind of OCD and it can stop a person from being able to work.

EDIT: Can stop a person from being able to live.

splinter65

Ultimate Seduction wrote: »

OCD isn't a disability which would stop you from working. Obviously some work won't be possible but there is a roll for everyone. Best of luck.

Unless you’re a medical professional in the field of mental health I would delete that comment if I were you as you’re not entitled at all to make such a sweeping statement.

LazySamaritan

Hello again.

Is there any point in my friend phoning the Disability Section to check on the progress of the claim? Will they tell him anything? Is it just a case of waiting for them to make contact?

Wanderer78

LazySamaritan wrote:

Is there any point in my friend phoning the Disability Section to check on the progress of the claim? Will they tell him anything? Is it just a case of waiting for them to make contact?

There maybe no harm, but I know people that are waiting months, so there must be a serious backlog there

splinter65

LazySamaritan wrote: »

Hello again.

Is there any point in my friend phoning the Disability Section to check on the progress of the claim? Will they tell him anything? Is it just a case of waiting for them to make contact?

At this time of the year a lot of the staff are on “term time” which means the section is short staffed. You could have posted the application 10 days ago and it still hasn’t been opened.
There are no “telephonists” in SW. Someone processing applications will be answering the phone and they will ask you when it was posted and if it was less then two weeks ago they will tell you that it might be there but still be unopened.
If it’s 3 weeks ago they will check and see if opened.
They might tell you that it’s waiting to be looked at by the medical officer. But the call won’t speed up your friends application.
It’s going to be at least 8 weeks before a desicion is made.
If he has no income then he needs to go to the CWO.

LazySamaritan

Thank you both.

Wanderer78

LazySamaritan wrote:

Is there any point in my friend phoning the Disability Section to check on the progress of the claim? Will they tell him anything? Is it just a case of waiting for them to make contact?

I know of someone that recently done this, they've been called for a medical assessment, they've been told by mental health professionals, they more than likely will be denied disability, as they have experienced this many times with such matters, just be aware.

LazySamaritan

Wanderer78 wrote: »

I know of someone that recently done this, they've been called for a medical assessment, they've been told by mental health professionals, they more than likely will be denied disability, as they have experienced this many times with such matters, just be aware.

Are you saying that phoning to check for any progress details on the claim caused them to be called for medical assessment?

splinter65

LazySamaritan wrote: »

Are you saying that phoning to check for any progress details on the claim caused them to be called for medical assessment?

If that’s what’s being suggested then that’s not what would ever actually happen.
Most of the responses here in Benefits are opinions rather then facts. If you go through some of the regular contributors posts you will see that some bring their own personal experience of DSP and present it as if “this is how DSP operate” when it’s really just one persons personal experience.
Ringing to check on the progress of a claim is pretty pointless as it won’t move your application along in any way. The waiting times are shocking but if you have no other income then you should apply to your CWO for an SWA.