Michael Healy-Rae
Question:894. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection what supports are available in a situation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56943/23]
View answerWednesday, 17 January 2024
Questions (894)
Written answers
Illness Benefit is the primary short term income support provided by my Department to those who are unable to work due to illness of any type and who are covered by social insurance. Eligibility for Illness Benefit depends on the person’s PRSI record and class of contributions paid. People must have made the required number of contributions under PRSI Class A, E, H or P to qualify.
Previously, Illness Benefit was only available to persons under 66. Under legislation that came into effect at the start of 2024 if a person born on or after 1 January 1958 has attained pensionable age of 66 years but has neither attained the age of 70 years nor been awarded a State Pension (Contributory) they may be entitled to Illness Benefit, subject to meeting the other conditions of the scheme. I do note, however, in this case that, based on the fact that this question was asked in December 2023 and the person concerned is said to be over the age of 66 at that stage, this means that they do not fall into the category of persons who may be entitled to Illness Benefit post 66 years.
Once a person reaches 66 years of age they may be entitled to a State Pension (Contributory), depending on their contribution history. A person can draw their State Pension (Contributory) and continue to work, however that income may be subject to tax. If they do not have sufficient PRSI contributions for a State Pension (Contributory) they may be entitled to the State Pension (Non-Contributory), subject to a means test.
The Sick Leave Act 2022 introduced the concept of statutory sick leave. In 2023, workers had an entitlement to 3 days statutory sick leave in a calendar year which, since 1 January 2024, has now increased to 5 days. Under the scheme, sick pay may be paid by an employer at 70% of a person’s normal pay, up to a maximum of €110 a day for the first 5 days of an absence due to illness. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has policy responsibility for statutory sick leave.
With regard to additional supports, my Department also provides an Additional Needs Payment under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme to help meet essential expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. This includes exceptional and urgent needs payments, and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from a person’s own resources and are deemed to be necessary.
The payment is available to anyone who needs it and qualifies, whether the person is currently on a social welfare payment or in employment. The payment amount will depend on a person’s weekly household income, their outgoings and the type of assistance needed. Payments are made at the discretion of the local Community Welfare Officers administering the scheme, considering all the circumstances of the case.
I trust that clarifies the matter for the Deputy.