Disability Allowance?

Bof No1 · 14-12-2013 12:33am

Hi Jassss, thanks for that. Logically, I don't see a problem, as the Welfare Inspector told me that I had no means and she would be putting that in her report, BUT, in the back of my mind, I'm still thinking that they'll find some fault somewhere, not logical, I know, just human nature. Cheers, Bof No1.

Bof No1 · 16-12-2013 7:11pm

Hi all, as stated in my earlier post, I said I'd let people know the outcome of my application when I received the promised letter,(look at earlier post). Anyway, post very late today, but two brown envelopes in the bundle, the larger contained the formal POSITIVE ACCEPTANCE of my claim and the second contained a free travel pass. Payment to be lodged to my bank account in time for Christmas and arrears to be paid at a later date. I'm one very happy puppy, but I'm thinking of all those who are still waiting and wish them the best of luck and hope they hear positive news soon. I'll continue to follow this thread and post regularly and/or in answer to other posts, many thanks to all who helped/advised in any way, cheers, Bof No1.

cms33 · 04-01-2014 7:00pm

I Was awarded disability about 5 weeks ago first payment off 188 be in post office next week now wile I was waiting I was getting 100 a week off the S/W cause I'm only 21 now it has I Will be back back dated for the 15 months arrears Will follow Will this be the extra 88euro for each week wile I was waiting if so how long dose it take to get arrears after payment is in place

livemusic4life · 04-01-2014 9:35pm

cms33 wrote: »

I Was awarded disability about 5 weeks ago first payment off 188 be in post office next week now wile I was waiting I was getting 100 a week off the S/W cause I'm only 21 now it has I Will be back back dated for the 15 months arrears Will follow Will this be the extra 88euro for each week wile I was waiting if so how long dose it take to get arrears after payment is in place

My arrears took nearly 4 months to be paid. Yes, you will be paid the full difference from your claim date to your award date.

cms33 · 04-01-2014 10:24pm

livemusic4life wrote: »

My arrears took nearly 4 months to be paid. Yes, you will be paid the full difference from your claim date to your award date.

Thanks for that ,, I dident tink they would back date that much money but I could rely do with it now

livemusic4life · 05-01-2014 4:49am

cms33 wrote: »

Thanks for that ,, I dident tink they would back date that much money but I could rely do with it now

ah they will, but they do take their sweet time getting around to it. At least you can work out what you're owed.

Cyvad · 06-01-2014 3:04pm

Hi all.
I'm new to boards and hope I can get some help with my situation. Following an accident in early 2011, I now only have limited power,sensation and constant pain in my right (dominant ) hand. I also suffer severe pain in the wrist, arm and shoulder as a result. My doctor, physio and occupational therapist will not sign me fit to return to my job and all have written letters to that effect all stating that this islikely to to be the case for at least the next 12 months.
I applied for DA and have had my application refused. I have appealed and got a letter saying it was referred to the appeals board. What do I do now? It also says that their ruling will be final? What happens in that case? I would love to return to work as my job is still open but it's just not possible. I'm at my wits end here as is my wife.
Thanks for reading.

cms33 · 06-01-2014 7:09pm

Cyvad wrote: »

Hi all.
I'm new to boards and hope I can get some help with my situation. Following an accident in early 2011, I now only have limited power,sensation and constant pain in my right (dominant ) hand. I also suffer severe pain in the wrist, arm and shoulder as a result. My doctor, physio and occupational therapist will not sign me fit to return to my job and all have written letters to that effect all stating that this islikely to to be the case for at least the next 12 months.
I applied for DA and have had my application refused. I have appealed and got a letter saying it was referred to the appeals board. What do I do now? It also says that their ruling will be final? What happens in that case? I would love to return to work as my job is still open but it's just not possible. I'm at my wits end here as is my wife.
Thanks for reading.

IT takes a long time to get but all you can do if you get refused again is keep appealing it,, I was refused 5 times then last month got awarded it an that was with no new medical letters was the same ill Ness I had when I first applied for it as long as your doctor has said you Will be unfit for work for the next 12 months or more you should be awarded it ,, I hope you have some look with it as I know wat the stress off trying to get it is like they make you feel your trying to scam them

Cyvad · 06-01-2014 8:24pm

I was on SWA but then my wife got a wee part time job and claimed the FIS. The FIS payment is a lot lower than my SWA was. Soon as she was awarded FIS my payment was stopped. This leaves us considerably worse off every week as a result. As if things weren't tight enough. Contacted them by phone today and was told it would be several months before a decision was made. The letter I have also states that I can't appeal the decision again.

Bof No1 · 07-01-2014 12:44am

Cyvad, how many times have you applied for DA? If the letter you have says this is your final appeal, you've obviously appealed before? If not, is this refusal from the Dept. in Longford, giving you 21 days to reply? There are other threads in the Accessibility, Mobility and Disability section, make sure you read all the pertinent ones, whether they're old or not, there's a lot of information there that will help you make sense of your situation.

Cyvad · 07-01-2014 1:44am

This is my first time applying and first time appealing. I received a letter from Longford to say I had been refused and that I had 21 days to appeal. I did so and then received another letter to say it was gone to the appeals board and their decision would be final one way or another

livemusic4life · 07-01-2014 2:23am

Cyvad wrote: »

This is my first time applying and first time appealing. I received a letter from Longford to say I had been refused and that I had 21 days to appeal. I did so and then received another letter to say it was gone to the appeals board and their decision would be final one way or another

Can i give you a little advice? I hope you don't mind. Just that some of us have been through this before.

Write to them and ask for an oral review. This means that you will be seen by a medical assessor. I had been turned down 4 times before i was given that piece of info from someone who knew someone. You stand a much better chance if a doctor sees you in person because they can see what you are and aren't capable of. Notes on a piece of paper are easy to ignore. A person suffering in front of them isn't.

If you are in receipt of any other illness payment like illness benefit, occupational injuries or disablement benefit for example, which require medical assessments at various intervals, they can schedule you to be assessed for both together.

Best of luck and let us know how you get on

Bof No1 · 07-01-2014 11:47am

Cyvad wrote: »

This is my first time applying and first time appealing. I received a letter from Longford to say I had been refused and that I had 21 days to appeal. I did so and then received another letter to say it was gone to the appeals board and their decision would be final one way or another

Cyvad, your initial refusal by Longford happens automatically anyway, or so it seems, from my own situation and the majority of other posts. To the best of my knowledge, even if you're refused this time, you're entitled to one more appeal and that should definitely be in front of a panel, ie. an oral review, as suggested by 'livemusic4life'. In my own case, after my initial refusal I went back to my GP, who was horrified to learn that I'd been refused on medical grounds, without having been seen/examined by anybody. He wrote me a strongly worded letter, intimating that he had been a doctor for many years but had never heard of psychic examination and this was something he'd have to investigate for his practise. Chin up and keep fighting, if you're entitled, you're entitled.

Jasssss · 07-01-2014 12:52pm

Well Folks Just got a letter saying my child's appeal allowed.I dont know what happens now,I think the file goes back to longford and they go through means etc.Maybe someone can tell me what happens next. Cyvad, i'l tell you what happened to me.I made an application for my child and it was refused,the letter stated that I could have it reviewed if I had any additional medical evidence within 14 days which I did,This was also refused.Disability Section in Longford where finished with the Application. I was then given the option to appeal to the Appeals Office within 21 days in Dublin Which I did and on Appeal it was over turned and allowed by the Appeals Officer.If there was any advice I could give you and I dont claim to know it all because for the best part of this process I have been stressed and in tears some days over this.You will need a letter from a doctor or specialist to say that you are unfit for work for a period of one year or more and that you are substantially restricted in undertaking work that would be otherwise suited to a person of the same age and experience.This really should nail it as these are the qualifying conditions set out by the Department assuming your means etc are within the guidelines.I wish you all the best.

Bof No1 · 07-01-2014 10:01pm

Hi Jasssss, delighted to see that you've been sorted as regards your sons claim, not before time I have to say. The fact that you had to appeal to Dublin obviously moved the goalposts as regards anything I can tell you from my own experience. I wasn't told anything other than that I'd been medically accepted and only discovered this, when I made a phone call to find out what the story was with my claim. Until the brown envelope fell through my door, I didn't actually know whether my claim was successful or not. Yes, you will be assessed as to your means by a local Inspector and you'll have to have everything just so, all the i's dotted and t's crossed. If you need any further info as regards this, just shout. Delighted for you, cheers.

livemusic4life · 07-01-2014 10:49pm

Jassss I'm so thrilled for you. Its a disgrace how hard they are making it for people.

Cyvad · 07-01-2014 11:08pm

Great news to get Jasssss! Hopefully I will have a similar outcome. Have to go and hone my hoop jumping skills

Jasssss · 08-01-2014 10:46pm

Ah thank you everyone,I am really chuffed. Livemusic4life, I want to say a special thank you to you because anytime I needed to know anything about the process you always answered without fail, not only to me but to other posts aswell. I will try and keep on checking this post to see how everyone is getting on.Thanks again.

livemusic4life · 08-01-2014 11:50pm

Jasssss wrote: »

Ah thank you everyone,I am really chuffed. Livemusic4life, I want to say a special thank you to you because anytime I needed to know anything about the process you always answered without fail, not only to me but to other posts aswell. I will try and keep on checking this post to see how everyone is getting on.Thanks again.

Jeez, girl, no need for that. Thats what we're here for. It was a good source for me when i was applying. Just goes to show that people still do help each other where possible. Pass on the love

Bof No1 · 09-01-2014 12:49am

Just a follow up to my own situation. Looked at my bank account this morning and had to do a couple of double takes, all the arrears lodged to my account, as well as my weekly payment. Just under 3 weeks after first payment lodged to my bank and now all the arrears paid. I thought all arrears were paid by cheque, but maybe that's in the case of people who use the Post Office? Anyway, I can now start paying people back and clear some debts, maybe 2014 will be a good year!

livemusic4life · 09-01-2014 2:09am

Thats fantastic

so glad they sorted you out so quickly

Cyvad · 09-01-2014 5:03pm

I'm wondering if there is any pointing me phoning the up everyday to enquire about my claim. A friend told me that you really need to be on their case about it and basically hassle them into processing it. Any truth in this? I'm not convinced there would be any point

cms33 · 09-01-2014 7:52pm

Bof No1 wrote: »

Just a follow up to my own situation. Looked at my bank account this morning and had to do a couple of double takes, all the arrears lodged to my account, as well as my weekly payment. Just under 3 weeks after first payment lodged to my bank and now all the arrears paid. I thought all arrears were paid by cheque, but maybe that's in the case of people who use the Post Office? Anyway, I can now start paying people back and clear some debts, maybe 2014 will be a good year!

.
That was quick I picked up first payment this week in the post office I was told on this could be 4 months befor I get the cheque for arrears

Bof No1 · 09-01-2014 11:46pm

Cyvad, I didn't do a lot other than appealing when I had to and calling every couple of months. After being assessed for means, I called maybe another 4 to 5 times for clarification and to push it on a bit, all t's crossed and i's dotted at this stage. I chose this course of action as the best for me, but everyone is different. If you were calling me all the time and being annoying, I'd be putting you to the bottom of the pile, but that's me.

cms33, I was of that opinion also, having asked a question about this on another thread. The answers varied from about 2 months to 4 months. I called Longford to ask and was told it could be 8 to 10 weeks, maybe more. As you can see from my post, I was totally gobsmacked to get my arrears this fast, but I note that you say you're collecting your claim from the Post Office, so maybe what I've said about arrears payment by cheque applies in those cases, who knows?

Jasssss · 10-01-2014 11:30am

Cyvad, Where is your claim at the minute.Is it with the Appeal Office in Dublin or the Disability section in Longford.CMS33 ,how long did it take for your arrears to come through because i rang longford and was told that they are about 2 months behind dealing with arrears,now i dont know if she was trying to fob me off or what.

Cyvad · 10-01-2014 10:21pm

Jasssss, my claim is currently with the appeals office in Dublin. It was refused from Longford and appealed to Longford but the letter came back from Dublin.

Bof No1 · 11-01-2014 12:44am

If you haven't already done so, I'd be making a phone call to Dublin on Monday. Have all your relevant details to hand and ask whomsoever answers what the present situation is with your appeal. Take notes, date, time, name of person your talking to etc. At the end of the call, at least you'll have a base line from which to work and hopefully, some idea of what's happening.

Cyvad · 11-01-2014 1:13am

I called them last Monday gone. Was told that my appeal was in a "control area" waiting to be processed. Was also told that it would likely be 6 months before a decision was made

livemusic4life · 11-01-2014 3:32am

Cyvad wrote: »

I called them last Monday gone. Was told that my appeal was in a "control area" waiting to be processed. Was also told that it would likely be 6 months before a decision was made

6 months!

that sucks big time. Just keep banging in the doctors letters if any change occurs in your situation. I know they say you're not supposed to keep adding info, but i did. I kept sending stuff. I did searches for the comparable benefit in the uk, and the advice they give is much clearer than here. what you should send and what it should contain. So i just kept sending stuff. Make sure you pps number is on every page though.

It really is making me mad reading these posts. How genuine people suffering can be treated like criminals. Unemployed get their benefits within 8 weeks. But the disabled are treated differently.

Jasssss · 11-01-2014 2:23pm

Cyvad,right your with the Appeals Office Dublin .Now they should have sent you a confirmation letter to say they received your Appeal.Then they ask Longford for your file and any comments they have on your case.THIS IS WHERE YOUR APPLICATION CAN GET DELAYED.Ask the Appeals office if they have received your file from Longford,if not Ring Disability Section and ask that your information be sent ASAP. Dont take too much notice of what the Appeals office said about six months and all,The guy told me that there was Thousands ahead of my son and that it would be the middle of this year before I heard anything.Once your file etc is sent up to the Appeals Office it waits in a queue for an Appeals Officer.You can then keep on ringing the appeals office and even ask one of your TD'S to help.But in all honesty once everything is with the Appeals office they will get to it.

tony1980 · 14-01-2014 10:49pm

My wife received a free travel pass in the post yesterday, I assume this means good news for her hopefully!

cms33 · 14-01-2014 11:38pm

tony1980 wrote: »

My wife received a free travel pass in the post yesterday, I assume this means good news for her hopefully!

Yes it means she's been passed for disability should get another letter soon with the date for your first payment,,, I got my pass 2 weeks befor Christmas an got my first payment last week now I'm just waiting on arrears to be paid I was told could be 4 months wait for it

,, I tink its lot quicker if your getting paid in to the bank

Bof No1 · 15-01-2014 12:31am

Tony 1980, delighted with your good news, a long wait for you and your wife and probably a tough Christmas? Hope everything will be ok now, moving forward. Don't know about the arrears, speed of payment COULD have something to do with how you're paid and then again, maybe not. I just hope you don't have to wait too long.

livemusic4life · 15-01-2014 12:36am

tony1980 wrote: »

My wife received a free travel pass in the post yesterday, I assume this means good news for her hopefully!

I got all mine in different envelopes on the same day, so i'm guessing your wife will get the rest tomorrow

tony1980 · 15-01-2014 11:23am

She gets paid through the bank, so hopefully she will be paid this week or next and we are praying she will get the arrears along with it, we have our daughters christening this Sat, so it would be a huge relief!

livemusic4life · 16-01-2014 1:46am

tony1980 wrote: »

She gets paid through the bank, so hopefully she will be paid this week or next and we are praying she will get the arrears along with it, we have our daughters christening this Sat, so it would be a huge relief!

i hate to say it, but i wouldn't pin your hopes of getting the arrears yet. It'll probably be a few weeks yet

Jasssss · 31-01-2014 11:28am

Brilliant News Tony1980.Its such a pain that your wife had to go through this in the first place,but still she finally got it back.

Jasssss · 31-01-2014 11:30am

Sorry Cyvad how is your claim doing.Have you heard anything yet.

tony1980 · 31-01-2014 12:09pm

My wife got paid 249.00 last week and nothing this week, still no letter and no joy in getting through to them, have no idea what is going on, such a strange process!!

Jasssss · 31-01-2014 12:49pm

No way Tony1980.So your wife got her free Travel pass no letter and only one payment with nothing else this week.That is very strange.My son got letter first and the next day he got the travel pass.Have you rang to find out what's going on.Your wife had to be approved, they would hardly send her bus pass out if she was not approved but why has the letter not come and now you say there is no money in the bank. Tony1980 I know it drains you but just ring and find out.If you get no joy ask to speak to a supervisor and what normally happens is he/she will ring you back about an hour later.

tony1980 · 31-01-2014 10:16pm

To make a long story short, we got a letter saying what we were entitled to (Means Test) and it is pittance!! My wife has Ankylosing Spondylitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis and she has been on the disability allowance for 9 years, except for this short period it was taken off her and given back to her at a massively reduced rate. We have never thought of The Invalidity Pension which is not means tested, Would we be better off applying for this?(I know the wait time is huge but what choice have we!).
We haven't paid January's rent yet which the landlord is ok with until next week as we are so stuck without her payment but they think we are fine financially without her payment, my wife is now feeling like all she is worth is this measly amount they offered her.
She went to college and got a good degree and had intended on getting a good career and never planned on been out of work, she is so upset that she can't contribute anything financially to the house but she is too crippled to work, she just wishes she could wake up some mornings not in pain, she was at the hospital again today getting another infusion for AS and she is exhausted after it, I really wish I could meet that Joan Burton one :mad:

Bof No1 · 31-01-2014 10:41pm

Hi tony1980, so sorry to hear of your plight, I really really feel for you. When the allowance was taken off your wife, she was receiving a particular rate, you now say that she's been given a much reduced means tested rate. What changed in your means, that has now led to this rate reduction?

Cyvad · 03-06-2014 1:42pm

Hi folks. Still not sorted out yet but received a date for an oral hearing. Problem is that I am due to be best man for my friend in the uk the same week. The letter says the date cannot be changed except in exceptional circumstances. Will they make an exception for this or will they take the view that I should be available no matter what. Typical

Bof No1 · 04-06-2014 10:51am

Hi Cyvad, sorry to hear that you're still waiting, but at least it fits in with what you were told when you last posted, as in, " it could be up to 6 months before you hear from them". I can only tell you what I'd do, if I was in your situation and that would be to attend your appeal. If it's taken you this long to have your appeal heard, I can only assume it would be as long again before you'd get another hearing. I don't know your situation financially, but can you survive that extra wait? Can you go to the appeal and then fly out to your friend? Sorry I can't give better/happier advice, but whatever you decide, chin up and f--k the begrudgers!

Cyvad · 04-06-2014 12:28pm

Spoke to them on the phone this morning and they are going to re schedule the appointment for me. What should I expect at this oral hearing. What kind of questions will I be asked? The lady told me it would be fairly soon

Dobs71 · 05-07-2014 4:20pm

livemusic4life wrote: »

Yep, and I could barely walk, all because my specialist letter didn't have the magic words "unfit for work for a minimum of 12 months"

am I right in saying what you mean is that is on the application form for DA is that how long do you expect this condition to condition to last options from 0-3 months to indefinitely.
My doctor wrote 'indefinitely' on my application form.

Dobs71 · 05-07-2014 4:22pm

livemusic4life wrote: »

Yep, and I could barely walk, all because my specialist letter didn't have the magic words "unfit for work for a minimum of 12 months"

am I right in saying what you mean is that is on the application form for DA is that how long do you expect this condition to last the options were from 0-3 months to indefinitely.
My doctor wrote 'indefinitely' on my application form.

livemusic4life · 05-07-2014 7:41pm

Dobs71 wrote: »

livemusic4life wrote: »

Yep, and I could barely walk, all because my specialist letter didn't have the magic words "unfit for work for a minimum of 12 months"

am I right in saying what you mean is that is on the application form for DA is that how long do you expect this condition to last the options were from 0-3 months to indefinitely.
My doctor wrote 'indefinitely' on my application form.

No, i don't mean on the application form. I mean on my specialist's letters. Terms like "for the foreseeable future" are pointlessness, they have to have the exact phrase "unfit for work for a minimum of 12 months"

Dobs71 · 06-07-2014 1:41pm

Ill get the relevant report when I see the doctor/surgeon as waiting times to see him are long on the medical card. long road ahead

livemusic4life · 06-07-2014 1:44pm

Dobs71 wrote: »

Ill get the relevant report when I see the doctor/surgeon as waiting times to see him are long on the medical card. long road ahead

If you've seen him before then you can write to him and explain what you require. I don't think info from a gp is going to cut it to be honest.

Disability Allowance?

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