Disability Benefit Application.

I was recently assaulted while in work, and suffered three fractures to my skull and am unable to work until the end of November. What adds to the complication is that my employers at the time of the assault were paying us cash in hand, I had not been paying a stamp, and they are denying any employee employer relationship, claiming that I am an independent contractor. Anyway this will all be going through the courts, but will be a few months at least before I see a penny. In the mean time I've applied for social welfare (disability benefit) but it's been weeks since I sent in the application. I'm lucky enough to have a roof over my head thanks to my parents but they're not in a position to throw me regular cash and I'm starting to run out of savings. Anyone know how I can speed up my application?? Even if it's declined I can get to work on an appeal....

Do you mean illness benefit? It's based on PRSI contributions, so if your employer hasn't treated you as an employee, it's possible you might not qualify. Have you been sending in medical certs to SW every week since you made the application?

If you have no income, you may be eligible for Supplementary Welfare Allowance which is dealt with by Community Welfare Officers at local health centres. If you're living at home and are aged under 25 you may be means tested on your parent's income - if you're 25 or over, you will only be means tested on your own savings.

Yes I've been sending them in every week, and still no response. Cheers for your help anyway, will follow up on the Supplementary Welfare Allowance.

SW may be looking into your PRSI record from all employments which is why there could be a delay.

You could contact Illness Benefit Section to enquire about your claim - 01 7043000 and ask for Illness Benefit.

Cheers gipimann, rang them there and that's exactly what they said re: PRSI records.