Illness benefit - late claim

Sinead Mc1

Hi folks,

Just wondering if any of you have experience in this regard.

I recently went on sick leave from work due to complications in my pregnancy.

The sick leave lasted about 6 weeks before I switched to maternity leave.

At the time my GP sent the MED 1 and I sent the IB1 form by freepost.

However, my employer contacted me today to advise illness benefit was never paid to them.

I contacted illness benefit who said they have the MED1 but never received the IB1 form.

The only thing I can think happened is I should have put a stamp on the letter?

Either way, I am very concerned now as the 6 wk window has passed and from reading up online I must have a valid reason for late application.

I will send another application tomorrow but I'm very worried advising my original form was lost in the post may not cut it as a valid reason.

Has anyone any advice on how strict they are on this?

Dempo1

The fact they received MED 1 from your GP is in essence confirmation an effort was made to apply for the benefit. With regard to a stamp on the envelope you sent, it is FREEPOST so lack of stamp should not have made a difference. Perhaps you didn't Write FREEPOST before address but again its a recognised freepost PO box and address . I've seen a number of reports of similar situations to yours, we're IB1 forms have gone missing in the post.

I believe the department will give some leeway due to the fact they've received MED1 from GP. Request a new IB1 from GP, perhaps add a note of explanation etc and send it off again, put a stamp on envelope just as an extra precaution.

Yours is not a late claim scenario, it seems IB1 form went missing in post and you have a valid reason for this issue. Fingers crossed the department will be reasonable and understanding.