asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will explain why a working man who becomes ill cannot receive benefit for the first three days of his illness; and if he will consider payment of benefit dating from the first day of illness.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disability Benefit.
22.
Under the Social Welfare Act, 1952, disability benefit is not payable in respect of the first three days of a period of interruption of employment through illness. Such a waiting period has always been a feature of sickness insurance schemes, the view being that after a relatively lengthy period of employment a person may be expected to bear himself the cost of the first few days of illness. In this connection I may mention that unless an interval of more than thirteen weeks has elapsed since disability or unemployment benefit was last obtained payment of disability benefit is made as from the first day on which it is claimed. Legislation to provide for payment of benefit in respect of a period of illness of three days or less is not contemplated.