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Disability Allowance vs Invalidity Pension

  • 31-07-2018 03:22PM
    #1
    Wonkyman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4 ✭


    Hi All

    Two years ago I suffered a major back injury, i have been working full-time sine 1990. I am single and not in a relationship. I initially claimed illness benefit but applied for the Disability Allowance and it was granted in June of 2017, and paid back until June 2016. I was granted a full medical card, free travel pass, but as I share a house with another tenant I didn't apply for the house hold benefits package but I was awarded HAP for my portion of the rent. My condition has not improved and has got worse were I suffer almost constant daily pain and back burning back spasms. I have degenerative disc disease and cannot sit down without suffering burning back pain, although I can stand all day which elevates the pain.

    I went into the Citizens Advice last week and asked them about training options, etc., as I am slowly going insane stuck in the house all day every day.

    The guy in the advice center told me that I should apply for the Invalidity Pension and I have the required PRSI contributions. So i did, the doctor sent back the required info to the dept, but I haven't sent back my questionnaire yet, as I am currently thinking about it. I d'ont really want to have the dept, crawling through my personal details once more, although I have nothing to hide. I did meet with an inspector when they were assessing my DA application, and I found the going through my bank statement with a fine tooth comb very humiliating and degrading.

    I just wanted to know is there an advantage of being on Invalidity or is it better to stay on Disability? I know the Invalidity gives an extra €5.50 per week, and to be honest i need every penny as I am really struggling to make ends meet, I have paired down my lifestyle and live a very dull life, I just have to accept my lot at the moment.

    I was thinking if I could get some job part-time which would allow me to stand, but would not require heavy lifting or bending at the waist, that maybe I could do ten to twenty hours per week. But then the question arises what is Rehabilitative Work?

    Since the good weather came in, my symptoms have got a little better, and the only advantage I could see of getting the I.P. is being able to move abroad to a warmer climate and still receive the IP.

    Does anyone have any advice, comments, or suggestions.

    Thanks
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