Moving over from Basic Supplementary Welfare to Disability Allowance

A

Alactric

New Member
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Hello Lads,

I recently got the news that I received the disability allowance, after a fairly short turnaround. I applied for Disability on the 23th October got my claim "disallowed" on the 27th of November and thankfully got it on 6th of December through a review rather than appeal, pretty lucky from the horror stories I've heard, but then again my health issue is a neurological one and more than likely lifelong (barring a medical breakthrough) so maybe they thought it was a bit more severe.

I'm sick of wasting credit ringing the official numbers so I thought I'd run some questions by;

  1. I started on the supplementary welfare on the 24 Oct, (at the max rate of 230 euro) would I be entitled to the October Cost of living bonus in back payment since my disability application was registered officially on the 23rd?
  2. Since I was on the supplementary welfare for less than 12 months I did not get the Xmas bonus is this eligible for back pay with my disability allowance?
  3. I remember reading when I was applying for supplementary, something about paying things back in arrears? I'm not really sure what this means in the context of social welfare, I've never had to go on a social welfare payment before to be honest. Will a certain amount of my disability be deducted because I was on supplementary for 6 weeks?
  4. I heard the free travel card is automatic, how long would I typically have to wait for that to be send out? I already have an in-date public services card of course.
  5. While my health problems are overwhelming from day to day, I would hope if I stabilize that maybe I could go back to University with the help of the disability resources there, is there any issue with going back to education on disability? would I be scrutinized more by the department? etc.
  6. I've heard of another payment called "Household Benefits Package" I'm worried that applying for this might put me over the limit for holding on to the Medical card I already have, and badly need to keep. Is the Household Benefit worth pursuing?
If anyone can even answer half of my questions I'd be very grateful
 

Household Benefits Package

The Household Benefits Package helps you with the costs of running your household. It includes electricity and gas allowances and a Free Television Licence. It is paid to people over 70 and to people under 70 in some circumstances.
www.citizensinformation.ie

I don't think it affects medical card. I know someone on DA who has both HB and med card
 
Alactric said:
I'm sick of wasting credit ringing the official numbers
Click to expand...
Slightly off topic but relevant to your finances.

You should get a sim only deal from 48 (€12.99 a month) this entitles you to 5000 texts and 5000 mins for calls and a large amount of mobile data.... I can never use any of it.

You can cancel at any time (months notice) and set it up to take payment from your bank account so you have nothing to do.

No more worrying about credit and topping up.

 
Also OP, if your home internet is with eir you could get mobile for around 10 euros a month* with free calls, free texts, free internet on phone when out.

*not sure exact amount
 
Yes it looks like you would be eligible for Household Benefit Package as your your Disability Allowance is a qualifying payment.
The package covers TV License and a payment towards your electricity or gas of around €35 per month.
You need to apply.
 
Forgot to mention that Household Benefit payment is not included in the means test for medical card or any social Welfare payment.

Disability Allowance is also a qualifying payment for Free Travel and Fuel Allowance.
 
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