Illness benefit and/or Supplementary Welfare Allowance

tdf7187

Hi.

Does anyone have experience with either of the above?

After being diagnosed with a serious disease and exhausting my work sick and holiday leave entitlement, I applied for illness benefit and my claim is under review, however I was given an indication over the telephone that my claim may be declined due to insufficient PRSI contributions at the accepted rates in recent years. I read on the citizensinformation website that jobseekers allowance could be used in lieu of PRSI contributions, however I do not know how accurate or up-to-date the info on the citizensinformation website is, not sure if it's an official DSW source.

It was suggested that I also apply for Supplementary Welfare allowance, which I have now done.

Also, how long are current waiting times for the above benefits does anyone know? South Dublin area. Many thanks in advance.

Dempo1

Hi, sorry to hear about your illness.

In relation to the JSA and contributions, this relates to anyone being on it, has contributions assigned, much the same as if you are working and paying contributions, I'm unsure but the contributions may be at a lower class (rate) than those paid if in full time employment.

You've not mentioned if and when you were on JSA so hard to tell if this will be relevant as they look at stamps/contributions over the previous 2 years when assessing illness benifit.

How long have you been in full time employment prior to illness? You mention you were on sick pay but this is classed as income for the purposes of stamps/contributions. If you were in full time employment for two years you should have enough stamps to cover illness benefit for at least a year but again its down to the amount of stamps you've paid.

Waiting times are poor to be honest, all government departments catching up so a minimum of two weeks but could be longer. If approved it will be back dated, also keep in mind you loose first 3 days, known as waiting days.

Do you happen to have a full mygov account 🤔 if you did, you can log into my welfare and view an up to date contributions statement, you can also request a copy, this gives you a breakdown of contributions since you commenced employment in the state.

Perhaps others with more knowledge of disibility benefit might come back with further advice here.

tdf7187

Thanks Dempo. Yes I have mygov account. Was 21 months' on jobseekers, then on TUS scheme since Mar 2021 (was supposed to start last year but role wasn't available due to COVID). Have plenty of contributions at top rate from 1993-2014 but patchy work history since then due to illlness.

Dempo1

Ah, yes I understand now, I was confused when you mentioned you had exhausted sick leave but understand.

Hopefully they might use some discretion but wise to apply for SWA as well just in case.

Seperately, I would strongly recommend, when you have been awarded something, to begin the process of applying for Disability Allowance if you feel your illness will be long term. It's a daunting application form but with a confirmed illness it's worth considering, it's a more long term payment giving you some piece of mind, something I'm looking at currently due to an illness also.

I wish you well and PM me to let me know how you get on 😉

Cherry Blossom

It’s your recent Prsi contributions that count towards illness benefit so unfortunately it sounds like you won’t have enough. You should probably still apply though as they may require that you have done so for supplementary welfare allowance. Apply for both now, don’t wait.

Cherry Blossom

Sorry I’ve just re-read and see that you have applied for both. You should be awarded SWA if you have low means. I can’t help you on the waiting times. Best of luck with it.