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?

Whiplashy · 01-11-2019 7:58pm

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.

The TD is only useful if you run into a long delay with your application. Took me nearly a year in total to get approved, and my local TD sent a couple of emails for me to speed up the decision making. It has absolutely no bearing on the decision you will get so there’s no point contacting one yet. If you don’t hear anything in a few months it could be an option for you.

hawthorne · 01-11-2019 8:24pm

How do you know that emails from the TD were speeding up your case?
I don't think your case was taken out of the queue. Why should it? It just ran its course, that's all.

Shinsen · 01-11-2019 9:13pm

splinter65 wrote: »

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?

Thank you for your reply.
If you check some messages on this forum, you'll read that some users contacted their local TDs to speed up the process. A couple of them did it and my understanding is that they succedeed.
I thought it was quite strange to get politicians involved in this. Though I decided to ask the Citizens office for some information about it. The lady wasn't suprised by my question, apparently some people do that.

hawthorne · 01-11-2019 10:01pm

A lot of people think a TD can work wonders. S/He certainly cannot.
A TD might be helpful when a section of SW is really down- like last year in the case of the new certs in the IB section. S/He can raise the problem in the Dail- and the government or any institution can look into the case.
An application for IB or IP does not fall under that category. If a TD would try to really "speed up the case" he would most likely be involved in unlawful activities. The vast majority of them have no interest in that.
All a TD can do is write one or more mails or sent in a letter.
This will have absolutely no effect on any application- it is just a political gesture to a constituent. An effort to get votes.
Many years ago I applied for a grant for something. No reply for many months. Got a TD to write a letter. Nothing happened for many more months. Finally- two years after sending the application, some council offical turned up at our doorstep.
We had a chat in the kitchen about the time frame and the letter from the TD came up. Your man told us that they get loads of letters from TDs supporting this,that and the other case. They read all incoming mail- and file them away. They have no effect.
Many people wishfully think out of desperation a TD can do something. But that is not the case unless the TD is your doctor or your consultant coming up with bullet proof stuff about your health.

splinter65 · 01-11-2019 10:37pm

Shinsen wrote: »

Thank you for your reply.
If you check some messages on this forum, you'll read that some users contacted their local TDs to speed up the process. A couple of them did it and my understanding is that they succedeed.
I thought it was quite strange to get politicians involved in this. Though I decided to ask the Citizens office for some information about it. The lady wasn't suprised by my question, apparently some people do that.

I can’t understand what you would expect the TD to say, “please put shinsen to the top of the queue for IP because (blah blah blah) “.
A letter from a TD never expedited anything in the DSP. People think it did because getting the letter written usually coincides with getting to the end of a long process.
You haven’t been waiting very long and you should hear in the next few weeks.

wifey28 · 01-11-2019 11:59pm

TDs can write letters till their blue in the face, its not gonna do anything to help your case.

Yes 15-20 years ago you could get a td with some pull to swing you a council house, but so many started doing it that they just started getting ignored, ive had several SW sections as well as the council housing office confirm that while all incoming mail is read, the letters from TDs are just filed away all together and none are never added to certain peoples files and def do not make them speed things along.

Crikey we were about to be homeless with a cancer diagnosis and 2 very young children and multiple tds told us they could do nothing for us

Shinsen · 02-11-2019 10:12pm

Thank you for your clarifications.
I'm not originally from Ireland. I was very surprised to hear that some users got TDs involved in their applications, for this reason I enquired with the Citizens office to find out more about it.

I was asking as well how the users who were saying that they had difficulties in receiving a response from Welfare if in the end they got the result of the application.
I was on illness benefit for two years. This expired in August. I'm on income protection, so my only option is applying for Invalidity pension. I did it 3 months ago, I'm still waiting for a response. After reading some of the comments here that most cases are rejected or very delayed, I am concerned as I can count only on myself and I have a high rent to pay. I've just applied for the social housing list, this takes time too.

Shinsen · 21-11-2019 9:47pm

Hi all.
Today I received a letter from Welfare that my request of Invalidity pension hasn't been accepted.
I was on Illness benefit for two years, I've been certified unfit to work since July 2017, I had provided several diagnosis from specialists, but the result has been negative.
I went back to the Citizens office, they're giving me support to appeal.
I asked for the review, the lady has said that there is no point in requesting a review from the same department.
Do you agree? Have you all just appealed or proceeded with both, appeal and review?

21-11-2019 9:54pm

Shinsen wrote: »

Hi all.
Today I received a letter from Welfare that my request of Invalidity pension hasn't been accepted.
I was on Illness benefit for two years, I've been certified unfit to work since July 2017, I had provided several diagnosis from specialists, but the result has been negative.
I went back to the Citizens office, they're giving me support to appeal.
I asked for the review, the lady has said that there is no point in requesting a review from the same department.
Do you agree? Have you all just appealed or proceeded with both, appeal and review?

Have a look at this and decide for yourself!

http://www.inclusionireland.ie/sites/default/files/attach/basic-page/1335/cfn-social-welfare-reviews-and-appeals.pdf

Shinsen · 21-11-2019 10:04pm

171170 wrote: »

Have a look at this and decide for yourself!

http://www.inclusionireland.ie/sites/default/files/attach/basic-page/1335/cfn-social-welfare-reviews-and-appeals.pdf

Thank you, I'll go with the review as well.
Could I please ask who is a social worker and a support worker? I wonder if I can have support from somebody else beside my GP.

22-11-2019 9:42am

Shinsen wrote: »

Thank you, I'll go with the review as well.
Could I please ask who is a social worker and a support worker?

I wonder if I can have support from somebody else beside my GP.

If you don't know what a social worker or a support worker is then you probably don't have one! If you have any HSE-paid professional, other than your GP dealing with you as a patient, then they're the ones who could write letters of support for you.

A Citizens Information specialist may be present your appeal for you if they have agreed to take you on under their advocacy scheme.

Shinsen · 22-11-2019 5:10pm

171170 wrote: »

If you don't know what a social worker or a support worker is then you probably don't have one! If you have any HSE-paid professional, other than your GP dealing with you as a patient, then they're the ones who could write letters of support for you.

A Citizens Information specialist may be present your appeal for you if they have agreed to take you on under their advocacy scheme.

True. However I meant "support" regardless my application.
I was wondering if I could get support such as help from other entities as I mostly live isolated.

26-11-2019 11:15am

Shinsen wrote: »

True. However I meant "support" regardless my application.
I was wondering if I could get support such as help from other entities as I mostly live isolated.

Citizens Information is probably the best option. They're specialists in helping people with this kind of thing.

Shinsen · 29-11-2019 6:38pm

171170 wrote: »

Citizens Information is probably the best option. They're specialists in helping people with this kind of thing.

It's good to hear that, thank you.
So far it looks like they've been giving me good support.

Shinsen · 17-12-2019 11:49pm

It could be just my idea... I think IP department is not very much keen at working on a claim review if there is a request of an appeal as well on the same time. What do you think?

Whiplashy · 18-12-2019 12:23am

Shinsen wrote: »

It could be just my idea... I think IP department is not very much keen at working on a claim review if there is a request of an appeal as well on the same time. What do you think?

I requested both an appeal and a review, and was awarded my IP on the review. These things do take time though. My review took about 6 months. I know it's hard but you will be waiting awhile for a decision. Your review most likely hasn't been even looked at yet. They will have other reviews to complete too.

Darrio · 28-12-2019 2:18pm

Hi Everyone, just to thank everyone for all the advice and help I received here for my application for Invalidity.

My initial application was refused (Took 4 months). I asked for a review and an appeal at the same time. 6 months later, my review was also turned down. Thankfully after another 5 weeks (surprised it was that quick) my appeal was successful.

I am not sure what happens now as I am still on illness benefit at the moment. Do they just switch me to Invalidity Pension.

At the moment I have just received the letter saying my appeal was successful and that they will inform the Invalidity Pension people.

Thank you ALL again very very much.

splinter65 · 28-12-2019 7:02pm

It could be 4 weeks or more before you hear from Invalidity section. Right now Appeals will return your file to them and it will be looked at again in turn. It’s really quite slow moving as you can see.
It’ll be around 6 to 7 weeks before you get your first IP payment and then the arrears will be calculated.
Have you got a PSC? If you have then you’ll get a new one in the post with your free travel on it, and for your spouse if you have one .
You might get the HBP too but it depends...have you looked into that?
Edited to add:
Please continue sending in illness benefit certs until your Invaldity kicks in.

Darrio · 28-12-2019 9:15pm

splinter65 wrote: »

It could be 4 weeks or more before you hear from Invalidity section. Right now Appeals will return your file to them and it will be looked at again in turn. It’s really quite slow moving as you can see.
It’ll be around 6 to 7 weeks before you get your first IP payment and then the arrears will be calculated.
Have you got a PSC? If you have then you’ll get a new one in the post with your free travel on it, and for your spouse if you have one .
You might get the HBP too but it depends...have you looked into that?
Edited to add:
Please continue sending in illness benefit certs until your Invaldity kicks in.

Thank you for all that information Splinter65, you are a great help as usual.

Yes, I know it is a long drawn out procedure, I am just delighted that my appeal was successful.

I was not aware that they pay arrears, what way does that work as I applied early February 2019, and would I get the Christmas Bonus ?.

I never had a PSC card, should I apply for one now ?

My wife works so I never applied for the HBP when applying.

I had intended sending in the Medical Certs, when you are awarded the Invalidity Pension, are you not required to still send them in ??

Again, thank you very much

wifey28 · 28-12-2019 9:28pm

Darrio wrote: »

Thank you for all that information Splinter65, you are a great help as usual.

Yes, I know it is a long drawn out procedure, I am just delighted that my appeal was successful.

I was not aware that they pay arrears, what way does that work as I applied early February 2019, and would I get the Christmas Bonus ?.

I never had a PSC card, should I apply for one now ?

My wife works so I never applied for the HBP when applying.

I had intended sending in the Medical Certs, when you are awarded the Invalidity Pension, are you not required to still send them in ??

Again, thank you very much

Yes they pay arrears, altho as you were on illness benefit you may not get any arrears at all, or very little as it may only amount to a few euro a week as both rates are very similar.

Im unsure about the xmas bonus but id assume youd get it.
Altho youll likely be waiting several weeks for any arrears to show up.

Yes you should apply for a psc asap as its the only way to get free travel

You could wait until youve been approved and then apply for it with the letter of approval and itll automatically have the travel with it.

When you being invalidity then you do not need to hand in medical certs, but you do need to continue to do so until the change over which could be 6 or more weeks still.

If your partner is working i dot think your eligible for hbp

invalidity pension

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