Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 July 2020
465. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) will be granted the higher pandemic unemployment payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16735/20]
View answerThe enhanced Illness Benefit payment is payable where a person has a diagnosis of COVID 19 or where they are medically certified as being a probable source of infection.
In cases where the person is self-isolating on the instruction of a doctor or the HSE due to being a probable source of infection of COVID-19 enhanced Illness Benefit is paid for a maximum of 4 weeks.
If a person receives a positive diagnosis of Covid-19, they may receive enhanced Illness Benefit for a further 10 weeks.
Where a person is self isolating and are not a probable source of infection they may apply for normal Illness Benefit with the accompanying appropriate (non COVID 19 related) medical certification from their GP.
The person concerned was paid for 4 weeks of enhanced Illness Benefit from the 20th March 2020 to 16th April 2020 as their GP had certified them as being a probable source of COVID -19 infection. Payment reverted to the normal Illness Benefit rate of €203 per week from 17th April 2020 due to continued certification being received.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
