illness benifit returning to work

A friend is on illness benefit for the past year and half due to work related stress. She is returning to work for the same employer but a different department for 15 hours per week on a phased basis with a view to returning full time when she feels ready. She has contacted social welfare but the information she has recieved differs greatly depending on who she speaks to! She currently receives illness benefit and rent supplement and would like to know if she will lose these when she returns to work? I have seen information of a rehabilitatation programme which allows you to work up to 20 hrs a week and still retain some benefits but the rules of who qualifies for this are not very clear. Any help much appreciated

In relation to working while on illness benefit (if the work is of a rehabilitative nature), your friend must get written permission from SW before starting work. She should contact Illness Benefit section in SW for further information (telephone 1890 928 400 or 01 7043000).

If she does go back to work part-time and continues to receive Illness Benefit, her Rent Supplement entitlement may be affected, as some of her wages will be assessed against her.

If she goes back to work full-time, her Rent Supplement will cease.

As a matter of interest how long can somebody be at home from work sick with work related stress and claim illness benefit? I am in a similar position for over 12 months and the situation seems to show no sign of abating, with the employer digging in and refusing to admit or accept in any way there is a problem, despite medical evidence to the contrary. Could I be on benefit for 5 years or is there a defined timeframe after which you get cutoff by SW?

For Illness Benefit applications made after January 2009, the maximum duration of a claim is 2 years.

If you are permanently incapable of work, you may qualify for Invalidity Pension (based on PRSI) or Disability Allowance (means-tested).

You'll find more information on the SW website - SW for persons with an illness or disability