Am I entitled to Jobseekers Benefit after Illness Benefit?

Charliewharlie

I have been in receipt of IB since 2020, will I be entitled to JSB if or when I can come off it?

It's due to end in January but I don't know if I'll be better by then or not anyway so might not be able to apply if not fit for work.

I was on it for a few months from the end of 2019 before I became sick does this mean I used it up?

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058204439/am-i-entitled-to-jobseekers-benefit-after-illness-benefit

Hi, you can be entitled to Illness benefit for up to 2 years but it's dependent on how many PRSI contributions you have. I'm not sure if you were advised on what contributions you made or lenght of entitlement when you were awarded IB.

I'm honestly not sure if IB can be extended beyond the max of two years.

Some PEOPLE, depending on the severity of their illness, (basically if it's likely to last more than two YEARS) tend to apply for Disibility ALLOWANCE before IB ends,it is more a long term payment, it is very difficult to get approval and is means tested and can take months to be processed.

I suppose discussing the situation with your GP is recommended as they need to fill in a section of the DA application.

Does your GP submit regular certs?

Seperately if DA wasn't an option and IB was not extended, SWA might be an option, also means tested. The complication with being entitled to or applying for JSA/JSB and indeed SWA is a qualifying criteria that "you must be seeking work', not always that easy if still ill.

You really should firstly seek clarification from SW as to how long your entitled to IB and perhaps chat with your GP as to wether it would be advisable to apply for DA, you can apply for this while receiving IB without affecting your current claim.

Finally you mentioned JSB, this is connected again to contributions but as I'm guessing you'll have used up what's required through IB, it would be JSA for the purposes of explaining my observations.

Charliewharlie

Thank you very much for your detailed reply. I was just looking up a few things there and don't think I qualify due to being married with a partner who works and earns over a certain amount.

I checked my IB and I had all the contributions so the two years is up in January.

I don't think I get the JSA due to my partner working and the means test thing.

I was afraid to ask if I could get JSB incase they think I'm well enough to go back to work right now, I was just with my doc yesterday, he sends in certs for me. I've just been worrying about what will happen financially when it ends as I already did mortgage interest only for a 6 months.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117768108#Comment_117768108

No problem at all, its important to know that despite you living with partner, you would still have an entitlement to JSA or SWA albeit yes, you might get a slightly reduced rate, everything is taken into consideration etc so don't be put off applying if when the need arrises.

I also feel it's important if it is likely your illness will go beyond IB ending to discuss this well in advance of January with GP for their thoughts on Disability Allowance, my concern is that looking for work criteria attached to Jobseekers or SWA. It's a criteria that penalises people who have not fully recovered ftom an illness, whilst applying for a basic income support.

In essence you have some time but would really need to have a plan of action well in advance of January.

Charliewharlie

Thank you for all your help.

I was speaking with someone last night who has five children and the income would be similar to our household and they didn't qualify for any JSA however the were entitled to Jobseekers Benefit even after two years on Illness Benefit so I'm a bit confused now maybe I will be entitled to it.

I also received forms in the post today from the SWD one for my GP to fill out and one for me, an MR99 for me I've never seen it before, I had others but this one I have to tick boxes and it's from a medical review section of the SWD.

The other one my GP has to fill out it's got things like how long more my illness will last from 3 months up to indefinitely.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117770813#Comment_117770813

Firstly JSB is based on previous contributions, normally assessed on the previous, year, two years earnings . I'm unsure of your friends understanding of how the system works. If someone doesn't qualify for JSB based on contributions, it's actually JSA they apply for not the other way round 🤔 JSA is generally applied for if someone hasn't enough stamps, perhaps a limited earnings history etc. Also worth pointing out JSB is only paid for a defined period, much like IB, when entitlement runs out, claimant transitions to JSA and is advised in advance to apply, means tested etc.

The issue you may have is twofold

A. Your illness benefit may use up those contributions and you've not been contributing fully whilst on IB. You've not mentioned if your employer is also paying you sick pay but as you've mentioned JSB I'm assuming not 🤔

B. JSB/JSA/SWA all have the "must be seeking employment" as a qualifying criteria, assuming your still ill that's a challenge, however if recovered its likely it would be JSA you'd apply for albeit at a reduced rate, every circumstance different so I would not compare with anyone else from a means point of view. SWA may be an option if for example IB ended and you were still ill, again, I'm not 100= sure if IB can be extended beyond 2 years, this is why I mentioned DA as a possibility if illness will go beyond 2 years but as explained, very difficult to get approved and a lot of supporting documentation, medical reports required.

Back to the review, this is perfectly normal, generally after a specified time, 10, 18 months etc. Just be sure to read carefully and get GP to complete their section. The indefinitely point you refer is aimed at those on DA, it's important to note, all claims with the exception of invalidity pension can be reviewed.

Link below might be helpful re review

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/682f56-operational-guidelines-medical-review-and-assessment/