Applied for DA after complete hell I was in, Can I work?

LegacyUser

Hey, hoping for some solid advice.

I am 25. I have a few queries and it is because I am not very well educated in this area.

So first off I am an Irish citizen, family is Irish born and bred here.

I am going to be as frank and honest about my situation as possible.

I was going to college 2 years ago but due to a surmountable amount of family problems and severe depression I left the 1st year of the course. I went and talked to the college last year and they were helpful and offered me to repeat the year this year. I wanted to go and make the most of it but was in denial about how bad the family situation was, and ended up just making nothing of the opportunity and became very depressed again. Humiliated to ask them if I could ever go back and the cost, but think I should? I used almost all my savings paying my way at home also.

Only a month ago after reconnecting with some friends did I realize I need to make my situation a lot better and actually make the most of my life. I did go to the social office for the first time two weeks ago, the officer thinks I have it easy since I didn't claim anything for a year but it couldn't be more wrong, I am broke and it was my own stupidity/ depression why I didn't. The officer told me to apply for Disability Allowance (DA). I have put that in two weeks ago.

First question: Am I entitled to back pay for the year?

I suffer with social anxiety also which can get very bad but I have a will to get a job, I need to do it for my own sanity and something I can be proud of. Even two days a week something to get me out this hole I am in, The last place I am allowing myself to go right now is back into a dark place so,

Second question: Can I work while waiting for DA to be okayed or assessed?

Also just to add. I need to get as much money together as possible because the home situation is toxic beyond belief, I am grateful I have a roof over my head, but I need to get out of here for my own mental health also. There is so much family strife conflict that fighting against the depression is a daily battle.

I believe that depends on me, so that is why I also wanted to work now. Is there any help for this state wise I know I have heard of rental allowance? I don't want to rely on that solely I want to pull my weight but I am trying to go from a broke position mentally and financially to one where I live a decent life as an adult.

And any other advice would be appreciate greatly. Thank you

Nomis21

Turnipman wrote:

We are experiencing further delays in making payments to Illness Benefit customers this week. We are working to resolve these issues as soon as possible. Our sincere apologies for any inconvenience and we thank our customers for their patience and understanding. Those affected by this delay, who may be in need of urgent financial assistance, are welcome to contact their local Community Welfare Service at their local Intreo Centre. We will continue to assist and inform customers during this period via Social media - Twitter (@Welfare_ie), our website

lovehel wrote:

I suffer with social anxiety also which can get very bad but I have a will to get a job, I need to do it for my own sanity and something I can be proud of. Even two days a week something to get me out this hole I am in, The last place I am allowing myself to go right now is back into a dark place so,

lovehel wrote:

And any other advice would be appreciate greatly. Thank you

lovehel wrote:

I believe that depends on me, so that is why I also wanted to work now. Is there any help for this state wise I know I have heard of rental allowance? I don't want to rely on that solely I want to pull my weight but I am trying to go from a broke position mentally and financially to one where I live a decent life as an adult.

I receive DA and it was a long road to get there, nearly 2 years in fact. If you are working while waiting for DA you will be considered fit for work and unlikely to get DA. You need to apply for Jobseekers allowance and then make a DA claim after that is agreed.

Gatling

Nomis21 wrote: »

If you are working while waiting for DA you will be considered fit for work and unlikely to get DA.

Not necessarily true ,

Op if you do get awarded DA it will only be back dated to the date the department gets the paperwork ,
You definitely won't get back dated the year you didn't apply ,
It's a difficult payment to get and you need a lot of medical evidence to back up your claim