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FÁS course on illness benefit?

  • 22-06-2011 11:03PM
    #1
    dlofnep
    Closed Accounts Posts: 20,759 ✭✭✭✭


    Hi,

    I'm currently on long-term illness benefit at the moment. I'm really upset with sitting at home all the time, as I recently graduated from college and I don't want my skills to lapse or go to waste. There is a computer networking course coming up next month in my city, and I'd like to do it. Only 1 day a week is actually spent in FÁS, while the other 4 I can do from home. This would be ideal for me as I would operate mostly from home - so I can rest up and still learn.

    Is this possible for me to do it? I'm getting seriously depressed not getting anything done with my life - so I really want to do it.


Comments

  • #2
    Victor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 78,904 ✭✭✭✭Victor


    People receiving illness benefit are normally allowed work up to something like 20 hours per week, provided the work is therapeutic / helpful. I'm not sure about courses.

    I imagine it is possible, assuming it is consistent with the reason you are on illness benefit (doing a manual lifting course while you have a broken leg might be questioned :))


  • #3
    dlofnep
    Closed Accounts Posts: 20,759 ✭✭✭✭dlofnep


    It's an educational course. I am on illness benefit for an array of issues with my immune system, brain function and fatigue. It's a long story - but basically, this course seems doable as I only have to leave the house 1 day a week. Rest I can do in bed.


  • #4
    Stan 10
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 196 ✭✭Stan 10


    Is this possible for me to do it? I'm getting seriously depressed not getting anything done with my life - so I really want to do it.

    Yes you can provided you get permission from Department of Social Protection.

    At least you could last year anyway, you have to get a form from FAS and send it Department of Social Protection


  • #5
    dlofnep
    Closed Accounts Posts: 20,759 ✭✭✭✭dlofnep


    I was down with them today - they are sending me out an exemption form. Just need to get my Doctor to sign it and bring it to FÁS. Hopefully they will approve me :)


  • #6
    bijou
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 412 ✭✭bijou


    Hi

    I know this is an old thread but wondered OP how you got on with being on Illness Benefit and doing the course. I asked in the SW office about the same a while back and the answer I got was "well, knitting is in-vogue at the moment" !!


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  • #7
    dlofnep
    Closed Accounts Posts: 20,759 ✭✭✭✭dlofnep


    Oh god - you don't want to know. A complete mess! The FÁS office told me that I didn't require an exemption in the end. Then the social Welfare told me I did. I ended up being too ill in the end to actually do the course, so I cancelled my application. My illness benefit was then cut off for a few days, as they stated I didn't submit my exemption form - even though I had actually cancelled my place on the course!

    A complete head-ache. I think there are new stipulations now, from when I originally applied. Pop into FÁS and ask them, but verify with the illness benefit department of the social welfare before applying for anything!


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