out of work with a back injury , Disability or jobseekers?

Harasrailltub

Hi ,


I have unfortunately picked up a bad disc herniation in my lower back with Sciatica pain down the leg . It is seriously aggravated by sitting and i need my partner to help dress me in the morning as I can't put on my own pants or socks or shoes.



This means that I can't continue on in my job. I was working as a contractor on a short contract so I have no sick pay or insurance or anything like that to fall back on.



I am considering going on welfare if it looks like the road to rehab will be longer than my savings will last, I have a few questions if anyone could help.


1. Should I apply for Jobseekers or Disability allowance ? Would I be considered for Disability allowance ? Or do you apply for jobseekers first and once on it apply for a disability payment.


2 I live with my partner who is working . Does that mean I would get little or nothing by way of jobseekers welfare payment ? Would I get more if I applied for Disability ?



Thanks for any info

PirateShampoo

Disability, or at least that's what I was on when I did my back in.

pl4ichjgy17zwd

You have to be actively seeking work to go on jobseekers. Disability allowance is means tested, but it would depend on how much your partner makes as to what you'd be entitled to.

Applying for DA is also a very long process and is often rejected first time leading to appeal, but you can apply for supplementary welfare allowance in the mean time (though it does have a stricter means test in terms of savings)

You should go to your GP to discuss your prospects, for DA your injury has to be expected to last longer than 1 year

wifey28

would illness benifit be an option? That would usually be for short term illness/injury but you need to hae the relevant prsi contributions

For disability as said above your injury needs tobe expected to last at least 12 months , andit is notoriously hard to get , usually being rejected the first time and leading to an appeal

For jobseekers you need to be actively seeking work which you are not

TheBeach

What kind of prsi class are you paying? If class A you should apply for illness benefit. If class s you should apply for disability allowance.
For illness benefit they will check that you have 39 class A prsi weeks in 2016 year. You will find this information on the bottom right hand side of your P60 for that specific year. Illness benefit is payable for up to 2 years and is NOT means tested.
If you don't meet the above criteria for qualifying for illness benefit you should apply for the means tested payment - disability allowance.