Disability Allowance - Changes of Circumstances

Cherry Blossom

I just want to have a rant really. Every year the minimum wage goes up and I dutifully write a letter to Disability Allowance section informing them of a small increase in my income from work. This triggers a review (eventually), it can take up to a full year for them to process the information I send them. I understand that I’m supposed to do this when I have a change in financial circumstances. But there is a long list of things (which it states is not exhaustive) on the gov website of things that are considered a change of circumstances for this payment.

I have just emailed them a letter and paperwork I have in relation to a part time course (4 hours a week) I’m planning to start in September. I find this whole thing very stressful, I rang earlier today and asked what information they required, information about the course, the girl said. I asked what sort of information, any information about the course and how many hours it is. She was very abrupt and very vague about what I actually have to provide them with information wise. This does not help my mental health. Does anyone know if this will trigger yet another review (the girl didn’t know). Surely this is not an effective use of time for the staff in the department with the huge backlog of information waiting to be processed. Does everyone actually notify them of all changes of circumstances or am I the only fool that complies fully with the requirements to do this. What is the purpose of them wanting to know that I enrolled on a course for 4 hours a week? Can they actually stop me from doing this course? I’ve already paid two thirds of the fees and it’s non refundable. I spend so much time worrying about social welfare reviews. It causes my psoriasis to flare up and gives me digestive problems. Its a pain in the behind.

LetticebCivil

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058362340/disability-allowance-changes-of-circumstances

Could you email the course coordinator. Ask them to write you a short letter/email for the disability department. Then you can just send it on to them and your mind will be at rest. Good luck on your course and enjoy it.

Cherry Blossom

I have it written now myself. And emailed off with my acceptance email for the course and a statement showing I’m paying the fees myself. If they want more info they can contact me. Its just a pain in the butt doing it.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058362340/disability-allowance-changes-of-circumstances

What a preposterous pile of Nonsense you go through, is it any wonder those on Disability Allowance are reluctant to take up part time work or courses.

I don't see how doing a course would require a review or why it's any of their business, unless there's a Grant being requested.

Cherry Blossom

That’s my feelings on it too Dempo. I’m not looking to change to back to education and I’ve not applied for susi as the course doesn’t qualify. The only financial assistance I’m receiving is a concessionary rate of fees which the college very kindly provide for people on DA. I still have to pay them the reduced rate from my own pocket.

Necro

If there's no change to your means the letter is plenty Cherry Blossom, send it off and don't be worrying about it.

DAs contact centre has changed strategy in the past few years so it's not as it used to be unfortunately. They merely triage queries and send them on to the relevant section to deal with (or not, as you've seen yourself). Down to management being obsessed with stats over customer satisfaction tbh.