Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 October 2017
173. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) is receiving a reduced rate of illness benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43308/17]
View answerIllness benefit is a payment for persons who cannot work due to illness and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions. For illness benefit claims made in 2017 the governing contribution year is 2015.
The rate of payment depends on the person's level of earnings in the governing PRSI contribution year. Where the average weekly earnings are €300 or more, the personal rate of payment is €193 weekly (€188 prior to 13 March 2017). A graduated rate applies where the average weekly earnings are less than €300.
The person concerned made a claim to illness benefit and this claim was registered in my Department on 30 March 2017. The person concerned qualifies for a graduated rate of illness benefit of €86.70 weekly (€84.50 prior to 13 March) based on their earnings in the governing year 2015. Payment has been made to the date of the latest medical certification received.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
