Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2018
762. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the steps being taken to deal with the delay in illness benefit payments which is creating hardship for individuals and families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37696/18]
View answerThe Department has recently introduced a new claim form (called “IB1”) and a new medical certificate (called “MED1”) to replace the previous MC1 and MC2 forms for certification of the Department’s Illness and Injury Benefit schemes. This change is part of a programme of modernisation in the Department’s Illness Benefit section which took effect from Monday 6 August.
Some GPs have continued to use the old forms after this changeover date. In order to facilitate the continued payment of Illness and Injury Benefit to our customers, the Department has, to date, continued to accept old MC1 and MC2 forms where provided by GPs. However, the continued use of old forms by some GPs is causing delays to our processing times, as the old forms are not compatible with the new system, with each one requiring manual inputting into the Department's payment systems.
Payments are now up to date. Customers affected by a delay in their payment, and who were in need of financial assistance, were asked to contact their local Community Welfare Service at their local Intreo Centres. Community Welfare staff were made aware of the payment delays and were available to assist those customers affected.
