asked the Minister for Social Welfare if it is proposed to increase the income limit of £800 to £1,200 for the purpose of insurability under the Social Welfare Acts; if he will make a statement on the position of those whose earnings place them outside the insurable limit; and what avenues are open to them to insure against unemployment and illness.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Insurance Income Limit.
32.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a similar question on 16th June last.
Persons who cease to be compulsorily insurable when their earnings exceed £800 a year usually continue to be covered for unemployment and disability benefits for 17 months after the end of the contribution year in which compulsory insurance ended. In some cases, however, they may continue to be covered for as long as 23 months after their income has passed the statutory limit, depending on the point of time in the contribution year at which that event occurs.
They can continue insurance for contributory widows' pension, and also for old age contributory pension if previously insured for that benefit, by becoming voluntary contributors. While there is no provision in the Social Welfare Acts which would enable them to continue insurance against the risks of unemployment and illness, they could in regard to the latter avail themselves of the services provided by the Voluntary Health Insurance Board.