invalidity pension

kmscc · 24-04-2019 6:28pm #1

Hi was on illness benefit for 2 years, did not know that I could be cut off because my claim was exhausted, My payment was stopped on the 28th March without any notice (should have had 12 wks apparently ) I made a claim for IP in January, they looked for documentation and I sent it all into them, at the minute out of payment, applied for SWA but don't think I will get it , anyhow I rang IP this week and asked what is happening with my claim, the lady said its with medical assessor but hasn't been looked at yet , she didn't say how long it would take so just wondering does any one have any idea how long more this could take ? no income and bills need paying ………..

splinter65 · 24-04-2019 9:23pm

kmscc wrote: »

Hi was on illness benefit for 2 years, did not know that I could be cut off because my claim was exhausted, My payment was stopped on the 28th March without any notice (should have had 12 wks apparently ) I made a claim for IP in January, they looked for documentation and I sent it all into them, at the minute out of payment, applied for SWA but don't think I will get it , anyhow I rang IP this week and asked what is happening with my claim, the lady said its with medical assessor but hasn't been looked at yet , she didn't say how long it would take so just wondering does any one have any idea how long more this could take ? no income and bills need paying ………..

If you have no other household income then you need to apply for SWA.

Whiplashy · 26-04-2019 1:08am

You should get a decision soon. I applied in November and got a decision in March. Be prepared for the fact that it may not be the decision you want. Invalidity is hard to get. I was turned down and am currently awaiting the results of an appeal and a review. Was told it could take up to a year.

kmscc · 26-04-2019 5:33pm

applied for SWA sent them in documentation haven't heard anything back from them

kmscc · 26-04-2019 5:36pm

I have been unable to work for the last two years, my illness has not improved if anything its getting worse so surely if I was sick enough for illness benefit I am sick enough for IP

Whiplashy · 26-04-2019 6:55pm

kmscc wrote: »

I have been unable to work for the last two years, my illness has not improved if anything its getting worse so surely if I was sick enough for illness benefit I am sick enough for IP

You would think so. I’m in the same situation myself. My 2 years on illness runs out in about 3 weeks but I still got turned down.

SteM · 26-04-2019 7:20pm

Whiplashy wrote: »

You should get a decision soon. I applied in November and got a decision in March. Be prepared for the fact that it may not be the decision you want. Invalidity is hard to get. I was turned down and am currently awaiting the results of an appeal and a review. Was told it could take up to a year.

Re the appeal. My wife was in the same situation and our doctor got so fed up with the delay that he wrote to all of our local TDs to complain. She was contacted by our local Fine Gael TD who wrote to the appeals board on her behalf. A month later she was granted the pension.

Whiplashy · 26-04-2019 8:34pm

SteM wrote: »

Re the appeal. My wife was in the same situation and our doctor got so fed up with the delay that he wrote to all of our local TDs to complain. She was contacted by our local Fine Gael TD who wrote to the appeals board on her behalf. A month later she was granted the pension.

I have been considering contacting a local TD who’s known for getting stuff like this sorted. I’ll get onto it next week. Delighted your wife got her pension. It’s hard enough being sick without having to fight for what you’re entitled to.

SteM · 26-04-2019 8:48pm

Whiplashy wrote: »

I have been considering contacting a local TD who’s known for getting stuff like this sorted. I’ll get onto it next week. Delighted your wife got her pension. It’s hard enough being sick without having to fight for what you’re entitled to.

One TD contacted her to say that he would not get involved, the others didn't contact her at all. Seems to depend on the TD. Its a pity but it seems that the appeals section needs a prodding to speed up their decision making. Best of luck.

kmscc · 29-04-2019 7:00pm

I rang IP again today the lady told me not to ring again as its with medical assessment and they will be in contact with me when a decision is made, I asked for contact information for medical assessment to see where I am on the list she said they didn't have that,
I asked what am I supposed to do as I have no income, she said you just may wait

I know they are busy but this is my life they are putting on a waiting list, Community Welfare have not given me anything either its a joke I have worked all my life up until my illness and this is how I am treated , no notice of illness benefit been stopped and no money for the last 6 weeks,

Whiplashy · 29-04-2019 7:17pm

I went to a local TDs office today and spoke with one of the girls in his office. She’s going to start dealing with mine for me so hopefully she might get somewhere. I’m not even trying to get a final decision out of them, I just have a question about the validity of my claim and the fact that I may need to start a new application. They won’t discuss it with me at all. She’s not hopeful they will with her either but she’s going to push for a decision if they won’t.

kmscc · 30-04-2019 9:47am

The system in this Country is so unfair, I am at my wits end at the moment and all this stress is not helping me, if the department don't have enough staff hire more its not rocket science, I am now in so much debt having no money for weeks and I cant borrow any more from friends or family as I don't know if I can pay it back

Whiplashy · 30-04-2019 1:24pm

Have you considered contacting the St Vincent de Paul? They may be able to help you out while you’re waiting.

swpb · 01-05-2019 8:45pm

Has the swa got bk to you? If your household has no income you must be entitled to a swa payment

kmscc · 07-05-2019 5:31pm

Got word today was refused IP, can appeal and look for review

Whiplashy · 07-05-2019 6:12pm

kmscc wrote: »

Got word today was refused IP, can appeal and look for review

Try not to be disheartened. The majority of people get turned down at first. I’d advise you to put in both an appeal and a review. That’s what I’ve done.

maticm18 · 16-06-2019 4:15pm

Hi, I submitted my papers first week of October 2018. In November they requested all medical history and after that I did not hear from them. When I tried to call they told me just wait. In May they asked again for medical history and now it's on medical review. Is it normal that the review is taking 9 months? I don't know what to do at this stage. I am without any pay since November 2018 when my illness benefit stopped.

Whiplashy · 16-06-2019 8:17pm

maticm18 wrote: »

Hi, I submitted my papers first week of October 2018. In November they requested all medical history and after that I did not hear from them. When I tried to call they told me just wait. In May they asked again for medical history and now it's on medical review. Is it normal that the review is taking 9 months? I don't know what to do at this stage. I am without any pay since November 2018 when my illness benefit stopped.

Have you applied for SWA while you’re waiting? I’ve been on that since my illness benefit ran out last month. You go to your local CWO to apply and bring 3 months of bank statements. Mine was absolutely lovely to me. Unfortunately it can take awhile for a decision. Have you been called in for a medical assessment? I had one a few weeks ago and according to the CWO that should speed up getting a decision.

maticm18 · 16-06-2019 9:08pm

Whiplashy wrote: »

Have you applied for SWA while you’re waiting? I’ve been on that since my illness benefit ran out last month. You go to your local CWO to apply and bring 3 months of bank statements. Mine was absolutely lovely to me. Unfortunately it can take awhile for a decision. Have you been called in for a medical assessment? I had one a few weeks ago and according to the CWO that should speed up getting a decision.

I tried to apply but according to them my wife had a good salary and they rejected me. I haven't been called for medical assessment. In May they requested just all paperwork from me and my gp. But I am desperate. It's been 9 months already.

Whiplashy · 16-06-2019 9:57pm

maticm18 wrote: »

I tried to apply but according to them my wife had a good salary and they rejected me. I haven't been called for medical assessment. In May they requested just all paperwork from me and my gp. But I am desperate. It's been 9 months already.

Try contacting a local TD to see will they help you. I applied around November and had a rejection in March, so it is surprising you haven’t heard anything yet. Most people do end up having to appeal.

maticm18 · 17-06-2019 9:48pm

Whiplashy wrote: »

Try contacting a local TD to see will they help you. I applied around November and had a rejection in March, so it is surprising you haven’t heard anything yet. Most people do end up having to appeal.

Tried to ring them today again and only answer I got was "we will let you know soon". I pointed out that I am waiting 9 months already and lady was just repeating same thing. May I ask what medical condition do you have that you got rejected? I had a back injury and after four surgeries I am still in so much pain that I am barely functioning. Thanks

Whiplashy · 18-06-2019 10:56am

maticm18 wrote: »

Tried to ring them today again and only answer I got was "we will let you know soon". I pointed out that I am waiting 9 months already and lady was just repeating same thing. May I ask what medical condition do you have that you got rejected? I had a back injury and after four surgeries I am still in so much pain that I am barely functioning. Thanks

I have psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, postural hypotension, migraines, peroneal nerve palsy and anxiety. I’m a mess. The CWO told me they turn nearly everyone down first time.

maticm18 · 27-06-2019 8:35pm

Whiplashy wrote: »

I have psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, postural hypotension, migraines, peroneal nerve palsy and anxiety. I’m a mess. The CWO told me they turn nearly everyone down first time.

Hi, just got my rejection letter. What can I do now? I know that I can appeal but what do I send them? I already sent them all paperwork from all my surgeries and doctors. I do not have anything new. Thank you for the advice.

JenD87 · 30-06-2019 4:47pm

maticm18 wrote: »

Hi, I submitted my papers first week of October 2018. In November they requested all medical history and after that I did not hear from them. When I tried to call they told me just wait. In May they asked again for medical history and now it's on medical review. Is it normal that the review is taking 9 months? I don't know what to do at this stage. I am without any pay since November 2018 when my illness benefit stopped.

Hi. I applied on the 19th of March and was approved last week.
Your wait time seems very long! Can you ask your doctor for an updated letter and send it to them?

Whiplashy · 30-06-2019 7:23pm

maticm18 wrote: »

Hi, just got my rejection letter. What can I do now? I know that I can appeal but what do I send them? I already sent them all paperwork from all my surgeries and doctors. I do not have anything new. Thank you for the advice.

Can you get consultants or GPs letters stating that you are not fit for work? I also sent a letter of my own detailing a typical 24 hour period for me so that I could highlight the impact my conditions have on day to day living.

maticm18 · 01-07-2019 10:06am

Whiplashy wrote: »

Can you get consultants or GPs letters stating that you are not fit for work? I also sent a letter of my own detailing a typical 24 hour period for me so that I could highlight the impact my conditions have on day to day living.

I will ask my gp and specialists for the letter. Thing is my gp already said it in the questionnaire that I am unable to go back to work. Rejection letter from deciding officer is like it's not about me at all. Totally minimalized all the facts about my condition.

Whiplashy · 01-07-2019 10:30am

maticm18 wrote: »

I will ask my gp and specialists for the letter. Thing is my gp already said it in the questionnaire that I am unable to go back to work. Rejection letter from deciding officer is like it's not about me at all. Totally minimalized all the facts about my condition.

Maybe make a copy of that and ask GP and specialists to address it in there letters? They’ll be well used to doing these types of letters. My main consultant wrote me an excellent letter.

maticm18 · 01-07-2019 10:34am

Whiplashy wrote: »

Maybe make a copy of that and ask GP and specialists to address it in there letters? They’ll be well used to doing these types of letters. My main consultant wrote me an excellent letter.

Will try that. Thank you

Shinsen · 31-10-2019 11:51pm

Hello. I was wondering if you have received an update to your applications?
I applied in August, I'm waiting for a response. They've been checking my medical reports they said.
I read your comments about asking local TDs for support. Do you do it on a first step of the application, or if you appeal it?
I've been to the Citizen information centre today. The lady said that it's nonsense to ask TDs to get involved it this kind of request. They told me that if my application is not accepted, the Citizen information centre offer support for appeals.

hawthorne · 01-11-2019 1:39pm

To get a TD involved is indeed nonsense.
Unless the TD is a medical doctor or a specialist/consultant with a wealth of knowledge about your condition, you can forget about such step altogether.

splinter65 · 01-11-2019 5:25pm

Shinsen wrote: »

Hello. I was wondering if you have received an update to your applications?
I applied in August, I'm waiting for a response. They've been checking my medical reports they said.
I read your comments about asking local TDs for support. Do you do it on a first step of the application, or if you appeal it?
I've been to the Citizen information centre today. The lady said that it's nonsense to ask TDs to get involved it this kind of request. They told me that if my application is not accepted, the Citizen information centre offer support for appeals.

You will get IP if you have enough PRSI contributions in the correct years and if you have provided satisfactory medical evidence to back up your claim that you are totally unfit for work for the foreseeable future.
I’m interested in hearing where you see your TD having an input into this?

invalidity pension

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