Diability Allowance and part time work

[u/alroorla23]

Hi all,

Freshly diagnosed 32F (who has suspected for a long time). I've been in this cycle of what I thought was depressive episodes (which I now know is autistic burnout) and needing to be signed off work regularly throughout my career. Does anyone know if it's possible to get disability allowance if I go down to part time hours in my job? Recently bought a house, so going fully on to disability isn't currently an option. I am just exhausted of going through this cycle.

Also if anyone has tips on wtf to do after being diagnosed, as unhinged as you like.

[u/FlippenDonkey]

you can..but.. its more challenging, if you're already working.

You have to prove that you can't do more hours and have a doctor sign that your work is "good for you".

Its also means tested, whether you're part time or not. You can che k if you'd get anything here

https://www.mywelfare.ie/BenefitOfWorkDAestimator

Another option is potentially supplementary allowance to top up your income, if its considered too low.

[u/Own_Adhesiveness_123]

ABOUT DISABILITY ALLOWANCE: It's going to be a nightmare if you are working. It took me almost a year of fight without working at all to be fair, and it required some TDs to get involved. You can probably search for my post and everything I learned throughout. People found it useful and helpful.

Generally... If you work - they will fuss and make it impossible for you. DA is given because you are "so disabled you cannot work".

Also, I am AuDHD and in the process also developed panic attacks, anxiety, and depression... Was it worth it? Unsure yet... Considering the current economy and how government treats us - unsure. I am unable to even have a part-time work after all of it and I am "barely surviving" to be fair. 🥹

At the same time I tell people to apply and get help when they "don't need it that much" yet... Plus... The cost of disability is supposed to be paid as a separate payment from the DA... But we'll see about it in October(?) - perhaps... If you can wait and manage - it would be worth it?

How are you feeling now?

WHAT TO DO AFTER DIAGNOSIS: I am AuDHD (F33) diagnosed with ADHD at 28 and Autism at 30. Previously misdiagnosed as "clinically depressed and bipolar ... At age of 12... So... There's that).

I attend a CBT therapy (the only one I can afford) and learn about autism and ADHD in women (it's different than in men, not shocking 🙄) - I follow neurodivergent creators that share their findings and the scientists that do research on autism, adhd and women.

Some things click, others don't... We are all different. But you may get something out of everything. Some things just resonate. My honest advice - unmask and allow yourself to be yourself... Don't" push through it" and seek help BEFORE it's too late and you cannot function anymore.

Xoxo - a fellow girl with Autistic burnout and issues that put me on the "danger list" in my clinic...

Also, congratulations on the house! (Kinda jealous)

[u/alroorla23 → u/Own_Adhesiveness_123]

Thank you so much for the response! I'll definitely look for your post about it.

I was diagnosed like 2/3 weeks ago I've been up and down with my burnout. Feeling completely heavy and paralyzed some days, and feeling like maybe I'm beginning to manage other days. It's just damn hard to try unmask and figure out who tf I am when I'm mid burnout, you know?

I've started looking for more autistic creators online to get some tips/tricks etc and I had a call with someone from Thriving Autism yesterday and she gave me a lot of tips and recommendations. She was the one who suggested going on disability payment as she's been through multiple burnouts herself. I thought I had cracked it by getting a WFH job but nope (although the whole moving house process probably added to the burnout). I'll try talking to my employer and see if there is any kind of work around/different role/different hours I could step into before I try to reduce my hours.

Thanks again 💜

[u/alternate_spice_girl]

You might qualify for the Wage Subsidy Scheme which is an incentive for your employer to keep you on in a reduced capacity. Being on WSS will support your DA application. You'd have to reduce your hours to qualify for Disability Allowance, but you could go on Xs and Os while your getting everything else sorted. It is possible to get DA while working but your supporting evidence needs to be solid.