Illness benefit problems since new form

splinter65

nl2803 wrote: »

Has any1 got an email address for partial benefit section. Thanks

https://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/secure/GENENQ.aspx?subject=Partial%20Capacity%20Benefit

Jbubs

Hi all, been on illness benefit about 6 weeks. Last payment was €99 on October 8th and nothing since. I wasnt aware of these issues until today. Can someone please advise what's going on if possible?

Thanks

hawthorne

Jbubs wrote: »

Hi all, been on illness benefit about 6 weeks. Last payment was €99 on October 8th and nothing since. I wasnt aware of these issues until today. Can someone please advise what's going on if possible?

Thanks

Start reading on page one of this thread and follow all the given links.
You should get a good idea of what is going on.

wonski

To be honest I don't buy the missing certs story.
They first blamed the new certs, then the new payment system and now they blame the new cert scanning system or whatever.

I don't even understand how the whole bank of certs up to 10th October could have been wiped out of the system.

They would not disclose this to customers over the phone so I will now blame incompetent employees of IB drpartment who keep talking ****e to people on the phone.

This is getting to the stage where it could become a legal case.

hawthorne

It is surely getting worse every day.
Has anybody seen a TD about this?

Hesthea

Flippyfloppy wrote: »

Just been told that all certs prior to October 10th were wiped from the system

That must be the reason why they asked me to send duplicates of my certificates and a new form...


@ciara37
You doctor should be able to give you duplicates or ate least photocopies of it. Mine had no issues about giving it to me.

banie01

Hesthea wrote: »

That must be the reason why they asked me to send duplicates of my certificates and a new form...


@ciara37
You doctor should be able to give you duplicates or ate least photocopies of it. Mine had no issues about giving it to me.

Received a weeks payment this morning, still missing the payment due last week and 1day from the week before.

Bannasidhe

Got a general letter in the post just now from IB explaining and apologising for the delays - still not received a brass farthing from them mind.

Flippyfloppy

banie01 wrote: »

Received a weeks payment this morning, still missing the payment due last week and 1day from the week before.

How have you worked out it’s one day missing? Are the weekly payments over 5 days or 6 days or 7 days?

SJF84

Bannasidhe wrote: »

Got a general letter in the post just now from IB explaining and apologising for the delays - still not received a brass farthing from them mind.

I got the same one yesterday, still no payment mind you. Tweeted a message about the wiped certs on twitter this morning... nothing back yet!!

banie01

Flippyfloppy wrote: »

How have you worked out it’s one day missing? Are the weekly payments over 5 days or 6 days or 7 days?

Maths
My rate divided by 6 =€33.
IB is calculated on a 6 day week.
As an example, multiple weeks paid at full rate then 1 week at €165, then 1 week of no payment followed by this week's payment as normal.

Jonathon W

SJF84 wrote: »

I got the same one yesterday, still no payment mind you. Tweeted a message about the wiped certs on twitter this morning... nothing back yet!!

I just got that now aswell, still the same ol crap though we messed up we apologise go to your cwo

Yesterday I was told I needed to send in my last 4 certs again

Jonathon W

If they consider us “customers “ does that mean we can complain them to the consumer ombudsman?

splinter65

Jonathon W wrote: »

If they consider us “customers “ does that mean we can complain them to the consumer ombudsman?

You can and certainly should complain all the way up to the Ombudsman. Start by writing to the manager of the Illness Benefit section giving him/her 10 days to respond to your letter.
Here’s the complaints procedure from their own website.
http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/How-to-Make-a-Comment-or-Complaint-to-the-Department.aspx

Ultimately if your not satisfied with the response you get from SW you just take your case to the Ombudsman.

SJF84

Jonathon W wrote: »

I just got that now aswell, still the same ol crap though we messed up we apologise go to your cwo

Yesterday I was told I needed to send in my last 4 certs again

Who said that to you about sending in your last 4 certs?

Jonathon W

SJF84 wrote: »

Who said that to you about sending in your last 4 certs?

Unfortunately I didn’t get a name, a very rude guy who I was speaking to said it that I was certified until the 3rd and they’ve nothing since

SJF84

Jonathon W wrote: »

Unfortunately I didn’t get a name, a very rude guy who I was speaking to said it that I was certified until the 3rd and they’ve nothing since

Sorry to hear that. Was that illness benefit in Dublin or the helpdesk 071 number?

BohsCeltic

I got a letter today aswell. Unfortunately that wont buy food or pay bills.

Jonathon W

SJF84 wrote: »

Sorry to hear that. Was that illness benefit in Dublin or the helpdesk 071 number?

I rang *01 704 3300‬, I was on hold for an hour and a half and spoke to him for about ten minutes but he wasn’t anyway helpful it was we don’t have your certs what do you want us to do, he told me my daughter wasn’t on file just my son ( which I don’t have ) and it was a matter of get your certs and send them in (again), no interest in helping or looking into it, it felt like he just wanted me off the phone

Whiplashy

After getting the letter too. I don’t even care about arrears at this stage, I just want some bit of a payment this week. Otherwise I’ll have to go to the cwo and I really can’t be bothered with having to jump though hoops to get a bit of money. Have they forgotten that we’re actually sick?

Jonathon W

Whiplashy wrote: »

After getting the letter too. I don’t even care about arrears at this stage, I just want some bit of a payment this week. Otherwise I’ll have to go to the cwo and I really can’t be bothered with having to jump though hoops to get a bit of money. Have they forgotten that we’re actually sick?

Or injured, in my case my hip and pelvis is riddled in arthritis and I can barely walk never mind drive, at least they are acknowledging their f**k up but acknowledgment doesn’t pay the rent or put food on the table

SJF84

Jonathon W wrote: »

I rang *01 704 3300‬, I was on hold for an hour and a half and spoke to him for about ten minutes but he wasn’t anyway helpful it was we don’t have your certs what do you want us to do, he told me my daughter wasn’t on file just my son ( which I don’t have ) and it was a matter of get your certs and send them in (again), no interest in helping or looking into it, it felt like he just wanted me off the phone

Oh I'm tired of trying to ring 017043300 with no hopes of anyone ever answering. I understand ppl have bad days at work but no excuse to be rude or not helpful! So sorry to hear that. Have you had luck with your doctors surgery to get certs again? Ill have to try ring tomorrow and find out if i need them.

Jonathon W

SJF84 wrote: »

Oh I'm tired of trying to ring 017043300 with no hopes of anyone ever answering. I understand ppl have bad days at work but no excuse to be rude or not helpful! So sorry to hear that. Have you had luck with your doctors surgery to get certs again? Ill have to try ring tomorrow and find out if i need them.

I did, i rang and explained the situation and was told no problem call in they’ll be ready in the evening so went in at got them and filled in and sent off straight away so they should of gone up in the first post this morning.

I’ve spent hours on hold over the last few weeks it’s a joke, my local office sent an email alright giving out but that’s all they could do and the cwo is a waste of time they wanted bank statements passport the works, to much hassle

Sunshine lollipop

My credits have come to a close on illness & I am probably on the wrong thread if anyone can point me to the right one, but, my question is, even though I’m not being paid from the department, can my work place release annual leave payment so I have some sort of income while waiting to apply for disability?

wonski

Sunshine lollipop wrote: »

My credits have come to a close on illness & I am probably on the wrong thread if anyone can point me to the right one, but, my question is, even though I’m not being paid from the department, can my work place release annual leave payment so I have some sort of income while waiting to apply for disability?

You can't be on annual leave and out sick so I doubt it, but chat to your hr and see what they say.

I do get paid while out sick for 4 weeks as we have sick pay scheme, but they would not allow me to collect annual leave no matter what. I can take remaining days after I come back.

Annual leave needs to be taken in general, and if you are out of work it does not count as annual leave really.

SJF84

Jonathon W wrote: »

I did, i rang and explained the situation and was told no problem call in they’ll be ready in the evening so went in at got them and filled in and sent off straight away so they should of gone up in the first post this morning.

I’ve spent hours on hold over the last few weeks it’s a joke, my local office sent an email alright giving out but that’s all they could do and the cwo is a waste of time they wanted bank statements passport the works, to much hassle

My local office have told me nothing to do with them contact Dublin! Oh my god... cwo should know if you are on the system and write a cheque than looking for everything. Waste of time is right.
I better ring my place up in the morning and ask for duplicates so... its a disgrace this country.

Jonathon W

SJF84 wrote: »

My local office have told me nothing to do with them contact Dublin! Oh my god... cwo should know if you are on the system and write a cheque than looking for everything. Waste of time is right.
I better ring my place up in the morning and ask for duplicates so... its a disgrace this country.

The issue with the cwo is that it’s a social welfare payment that is means tested but injury/illness is paid by social insurance contributions/ stamps so 2 completely different systems and types of payment so for them to even suggest we go to a cwo is a disgrace, they know full well it’s of no use to us and in most cases will delay your weekly payment, ( I only know this as I was forced to look it up) it’s damage control propaganda in my opinion

klaaaz

Hi, i've been following this thread a while. A friend of a friend has had the similar problem to the people here. Their payment stopped suddenly last week despite them sending in the usually monthly cert for a few months previously. Well, like everyone else they had the disgraceful issue of no-one answering the phone this week(and they received the apologetic DSP letter also) which has had induced stress, so instead they sent a general enquiry to https://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/secure/GENENQ.aspx .

And voila, the issue was sorted a couple of days later with the bank transfer of the payment resumed. So anyone who is especially homebound and cannot meet the CWO(why they suggest this is so offensive when people are genuinely sick and unable to travel!), try using that facility online and see how you get on. Thought I mention it to help others!

wonski

klaaaz wrote: »

Hi, i've been following this thread a while. A friend of a friend has had the similar problem to the people here. Their payment stopped suddenly last week despite them sending in the usually monthly cert for a few months previously. Well, like everyone else they had the disgraceful issue of no-one answering the phone this week(and they received the apologetic DSP letter also) which has had induced stress, so instead they sent a general enquiry to https://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/secure/GENENQ.aspx .

And voila, the issue was sorted a couple of days later with the bank transfer of the payment resumed. So anyone who is especially homebound and cannot meet the CWO(why they suggest this is so offensive when people are genuinely sick and unable to travel!), try using that facility online and see how you get on. Thought I mention it to help others!

Used that form to send a query and then another form for official complaint.

It's hit and miss really and you do not receive a copy of the message sent so just click submit and hope for the best.

Better than siting for few hours on the phone I guess.

Fagashlil

I got a 4 day payment, still missing last weeks and this this weeks, despite being told all my arrears would be paid today.

swpb

Still nothing. Disgraceful

NickD

Well it didn't take long for them to mess mine up again. Got payment and arrears last week. €54 today. Great.

BohsCeltic

Just checked there and got 198 but bank where quick to take money and leave me with just 22.

It's a financial disaster being out sick.

banie01

BohsCeltic wrote: »

Just checked there and got 198 but bank where quick to take money and leave me with just 22.

It's a financial disaster being out sick.

I just received another (3rd and counting) Illness Benefit medical review form!
The last 2 were returned both hard copy and soft within the last 4 weeks...
This system really is a joke!

wonski

Got 198 today.

Still one week behind, but at least it is back on track now.

Flippyfloppy

Got nothing. What’s the point in paying contributions all these years if this is how we’re treated. Told to go CWO only to be told no because we work! Ridiculous.

Sunshine lollipop

wonski wrote: »

You can't be on annual leave and out sick so I doubt it, but chat to your hr and see what they say.

I do get paid while out sick for 4 weeks as we have sick pay scheme, but they would not allow me to collect annual leave no matter what. I can take remaining days after I come back.

Annual leave needs to be taken in general, and if you are out of work it does not count as annual leave really.

HR said that they will release annual leave payment if I promise to come back along side a letter from my doctor to say I’m fit for work & he won’t issue that because I’m genuinely not fit to go back but it’s my only source of income at the moment. I can’t see a way around it.

LegacyUser

wonski wrote: »

Got 198 today.

Still one week behind, but at least it is back on track now.

I thought I was missing a week, but I'm a week behind, it's taking 6 days from it being released by their system to my bank
Rang the bank and they have no issues or glitches so it's definately their system holding onto payments

BohsCeltic

banie01 wrote: »

I just received another (3rd and counting) Illness Benefit medical review form!
The last 2 were returned both hard copy and soft within the last 4 weeks...
This system really is a joke!

The whole system in general is a joke. MABS are dealing with my bank but they are still taking money.
MABS told me to change my bank. But how can I when IB won't answer the phone to update my details.

Paying taxes all my life to be treated like dirt.
I have enough stress in my life without all this. Romantic Ireland is dead and gone.

splinter65

Jesus this a catastrophe of epic proportions. In 13 years I’ve never seen such an almighty cock up.Regina Doherty needs a good kick in the hole over this. I’ve no idea how she’s getting away with it.

klaaaz

Flippyfloppy wrote: »

Got nothing. What’s the point in paying contributions all these years if this is how we’re treated. Told to go CWO only to be told no because we work! Ridiculous.

Agreed, I just hope seriously ill people that live on their own do have someone to help pay the bills and buy food. They do not need the stress of all this which has been going on since July, outrageous!

Also, some people previously unemployed are entitled to illness benefit as they had paid enough contributions when they worked.

Flippyfloppy

klaaaz wrote: »

Also, some people previously unemployed are entitled to illness benefit as they had paid enough contributions when they worked.

Oh yes, of course, if I came across as sounding like I had any issues with people not working for whatever reason that’s really not what I meant at all.

From my own perspective I’ve felt a little guilty receiving illness benefit, as if I’m not entitled to it, but I’m finally thinking enough is enough, we all contribute in our own ways.

banie01

splinter65 wrote: »

Jesus this a catastrophe of epic proportions. In 13 years I’ve never seen such an almighty cock up.Regina Doherty needs a good kick in the hole over this. I’ve no idea how she’s getting away with it.

I've fired emails to a local TD, the Taoiseach and the Minister this morning.
My TD and the Taoiseach's office both replied, requested further info and confirmed they would forward the query to Regina...
Regina's office has yet to even acknowledge the original email!

splinter65

banie01 wrote: »

I've fired emails to a local TD, the Taoiseach and the Minister this morning.
My TD and the Taoiseach's office both replied, requested further info and confirmed they would forward the query to Regina...
Regina's office has yet to even acknowledge the original email!

I have a feeling that Ms Doherty knows absolutely nothing about any SW cock up.

Jonathon W

splinter65 wrote: »

I have a feeling that Ms Doherty knows absolutely nothing about any SW cock up.

I’d say it’s more likely she doesn’t give a hoot, I had to sallow my pride and approach SVP so I can feed my 6 year and 4 month old this week after 4 weeks of nothing, behind on rent, electricity etc, I’m not sure how long more I can cope with this continuing, the stress they are causing is farcical

holy guacamole

https://twitter.com/willieodeaLIVE/status/1055122540312608768

nicrob08

Jonathon W wrote: »

I’d say it’s more likely she doesn’t give a hoot, I had to sallow my pride and approach SVP so I can feed my 6 year and 4 month old this week after 4 weeks of nothing, behind on rent, electricity etc, I’m not sure how long more I can cope with this continuing, the stress they are causing is farcical

I completely understand the predicament you are in. Only for SVP I would be in a worse place. Make sure you explain to them the situation you are in, tell them about all the bills you are unable to pay. I was very apprehensive and a little proud too but was assured they are not there to judge. They gave me money to pay gas and electricity bill, they gave me vouchers for Dunnes and since they visited I have been getting a weekly food hamper. If i wasnt receiving this at the moment I wouldnt be able to feed my kids. Good luck and chin up.

banie01

holy guacamole wrote: »

https://twitter.com/willieodeaLIVE/status/1055122540312608768

Funnily enough, that's the local TD I had a near immediate reply from this morning!

FloatingVoter

holy guacamole wrote: »

https://twitter.com/willieodeaLIVE/status/1055122540312608768

Him and his ilk would need to be highlighting this on national media and not twittering to their followers about their concern. This is a three month old national issue that has the potential to result in the death of citizens. What do I find on Six One tonight - two blowhards muttering about blasphemy and some survey saying smoking is bad for you.

NickD

I got another reply from welfare on Twitter. They said they'd get the CWO to get in touch with me. Why? My issue isn't with her. And the last time I got a payment from her my claim was cut off for a month, so thanks but no thanks. I'd rather you just sorted my claim out.