Jobseekers / illness benefit

trg

Hi folks, I'm going to have to jack in the job. Getting daily headaches that are debilitating so work now not possible.

I'm OK for credits and that over last few years.

I've been referred to a specialist.....next April! Crazy delay but not a lot I can do.

What I'd like to do is start my own business when I get sorted out so I went be going back to employment.

I think I'd qualify for both Illness Benefit and Jobseekers benefit - is one considered 'better' than the other?

Dempo1

I'm unsure if your looking for advice or throwing out scenarios in order to make a decision.

I'm afraid This is not about what's better than the other, 2 very different things and strict eligibility criteria apply.

A. You'll only be entitled to illness benefit if medically certified by your GP. Then Depending on your contributions a rate of payment will be determined. Illness Benefit, if approved, is paid for a defined period and requires regular incapacity certs to be submitted by your GP,most do them electronically, they can be monthly, every few months or closed (indefinite) for very serious and diagnosed illnesses. Illness benefit is also subject to review. Incidently you don't need to pack in your Job if applying for illness benefit and your employer may even have a sick pay policy. Important to note also, you must apply for IB within 6 weeks of incapacity cert being issued by your GP.

B. JSB , you may be entitled to it but if you pack in your job there are consequences including the loss of 9 weeks entitlement.

A referral is essentially meaningless when it comes to a GP agreeing to issue an incapacity cert , obviously they'll be aware of a potential problem, do an assessment and determine, based on current symptoms if a cert is warranted, Don't assume GP's just issue certs automatically. GP's are generally cautious when determining if an incapacity cert is warranted.

I'd just say this, think very carefully about this.

A. Your either to ill to work , Illness Benefit subject to an assessment by your GP, you don't need to pack in your job if applying for illness benefit.

B. Your leaving your Job , Possibly JSB but there are consequences.

(ITS ONE OR THE OTHER AND NOT ABOUT WHATS BETTER THAN THE OTHER)

It would make far more sense, if your unwell, to maintain your Job whilst (If approved) applying for illness benefit.

callaway92

Sounds to me like you want to run a business while receiving JSB and Illness Benefit (but subtly stating it a different way). Am I reading that correctly?

trg

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119172302#Comment_119172302

No you're not.

callaway92

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119176945#Comment_119176945

Fair enough

So you’ll live off JSB and Illness Benefit for a while and then go Self-Employed without income for x period?

trg

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119176978#Comment_119176978

JSB or (not and) IB for a period. If illness clears up I'd rather go self employed than back to old job. I'll probably not leave employer hanging when I don't want to go back there anyway.

AMKC

@OP You need to go down to your local Citizens Information office and get advice from them. They close St 2pm most days. At least the one where I live does. So try make it between 10am and 2pm.

Dempo1

This really isn't a Citizens information advice issue apart from looking at the advice on the 2 payments on their website. Its quite black or white as I've tried to explain to OP.

It's either illness Benefit if and only if GP issues an incapacity cert and OP has enough contributions.

Or resign from their Job and apply for JSB for which there are consequences including the possible loss of 9 weeks entitlement. There are rare exceptions were the 9 rule doesn't apply but generally medical related , non payment of wages etc but NOT industrial disputes.

There's ample advice on the citizens informations website on both payments and eligibility criteria, Citizens information are not going to help OP make a decision based on the scenario laid out in OP. In fact it's not about decisions, it's about eligibility, it's one or the other.

I make no judgement other than to repeat OP needs to think very carefully and don't assume, just because they have a referral, a GP will issue an incapacity cert. If GP does, it would be foolish to resign, OP may even have a sick pay scheme in their employment or if certified sick, use the time to research self employment options if they feel well enough to do so. A person on IB can not work whilst on the payment.

If OP chooses to resign and apply for JSB, apart from the consequences, they'll be required to be seeking employment and may find themselves on a Job activation programme which will involve attending meetings, sessions etc. There are supports re education and self employment but they are not straightforward and quite complex.

Saile

Hi I'm new to this so if I not posting this in right place please let me know.

Kinda along the lines of other posters... I'd like to check if any one has experience of moving from full- time work to part-time work (5 days to 2.5) because of my health. My doctor has advised it. But will Social Welfare look unfavourable at this or will they still pay my working family payment or maybe JB.

You have to be seeking full-time work for Job seekers. I'd like to know how this might all effect me. Anyone know, Any advice welcome. Thank you.

Smegging hell

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120108955#Comment_120108955

Unfortunately you'll have to be working more than 38 hours a fortnight to remain entitled to WFP and won't be entitled to JB as you wouldn't be looking for full time work.

If you can't work at all you could apply for Illness Benefit and then after six months move to Partial Capacity Benefit which will let you work part time.

Saile

Thanks for that. I must stay working, I need more pension contributions as I'm in early 60's . I'm not able for full-time but will be ok with part-time 20 hrs. Ordinarily a person on 20 hrs is entitled to working family payment (If on low income) but will Social Welfare penalise me for 9 weeks for leaving full time job? Even if Dr. has advised it?

Thanks.

Smegging hell

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120109456#Comment_120109456

So long as you exceed the 38 hours a fortnight you'll keep your WFP as far as I know. The nine week rule applies to Jobseekers but not sure about WFP. Just to note you can qualify for credits for the pension with Illness Benefit as well.

TooTired123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120109456#Comment_120109456

If you go on illness benefit you will get PRSI credits for the duration of your illness benefit entitlement which will keep your pension entitlement going.

You can’t get illness benefit if you are working even for one day.

If you voluntarily reduce your days of work then you will be penalised or even refused Jobseekers Benefit.

If you are currently in receipt of WFP then if you go on illness benefit you will continue to get it for 6 weeks and then it will stop.

Saile

Thanks, I appreciate the info.