Disability entitlement when PRSI runs out?

Feeling very desperate about future finances and can't get my head around the socialwelfare literature. If there's an expert out there who might be able to clarify what, if any, future disability entitlements I have I'd be very grateful.

Sustained bad injuries Sept '06.
Returned to work April '07.
Aggrevated injuries and have been off work now since Nov '07.
Currently on disability benefit but PRSI runs out end of this year. I have 26 weeks of contributions for 2007 so I'd need to work another 13 weeks to secure further PRSI-based benefit. Working 13 weeks at the moment is not possible. The likelihood is that I will be out indefinitely.

I have declared that I live with my boyfriend so his income will be assessed as means. Will I be entitled to any allowance or invalidity pension?

My current income: Disability benefit €197pw.
Boyfriend's income: €37,000pa.
Savings, soon to be house deposit: €10,000.
Rent, soon to be mortgage: €1,200.

I know it seems crazy to buy a place now but I will be able to knock at least 50k off the mortgage next year. Thanks for reading this long post, advice badly needed.

First question: Do you have 260 weeks (5 years) contributions PAID? if so, your entitlement to Illness Benefit will not "run out". There would also be the question of Invalidity Pension if you ahve 260 weeks paid adn illness is likely to be longer than 12 months.

If not, then you can apply for Disability Allowance, details of the means test involved are here . Savings of up to 20k are disregarded. Your aprtner's income would be taken into account when assessing means.

Thanks for replying welfarite.
I thought that illness benefit was calculated the same way as maternity benefit in that it was based on previous 2 tax years. Glad to hear that it doesn't run out if you have 5 years.

I'm not sure if I have 5 years contributions. I certainly have 52 months fulltime work. Plus 6 months of working 32hour weeks. Another 7months of halftime. 5 years fulltime college. 6mth Fas course. Fulltime summer jobs and lots of working part-time through college. Recent years before injury were fulltime work. Depends on what way it's calculated? Is there a time limit on when they calculate your contributions?

Best bet is to visit the Information Officer in your local SW office. They will be able to check out your record on-the-spot. Tell them your concerns about exhausting your entitlement and they will check out how you will be fixed.

From what you say, every thing except FAS and college should count but best check in advance to make sure all employers actually made PRSI returns for you. (If not, SW will chase them up for you, if you ask them to)

Thanks a million. I'll head down after lunch. I have lost so much sleep thinking I had no further entitlements. Hopefully I will get back to work but it relieves stress to know there is backup.

Might be no harm to write down names, address of employers and dates you worked for them before you head down...hard to think of them on the spot!....approx. dates shoudl do. Then Sw will work out if they match what they have on computer for you.

Welfarite has given you a very good reply but just to add 1 further point. If you have sufficient PRSI (260)to qualify for Illness Benefit it remains in place as long you qualify medically. Under 260 contributions it will cease after 12 months

Phew! I've more than double what I need. What a weight has been lifted.
Thanks for the replies, I love this site.

leapfroggie said:

Phew! I've more than double what I need. What a weight has been lifted.
Thanks for the replies, I love this site.

Click to expand...

Great to hear that!