Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 February 2022
351. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection when an illness benefit payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be reinstated following a successful appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7350/22]
View answerWhile in receipt of Illness Benefit the person concerned was selected for a routine review. She was found to be capable of attending work and accordingly payment of her Illness Benefit ceased with effect from 29 September 2021. Following a successful appeal of this decision, her Illness Benefit claim has been reinstated.
Illness Benefit can be paid for a maximum of 2 years, or 624 paid days, depending on the PRSI contribution of the applicant. In this case payment of Illness Benefit commenced on 8 January 2020 and therefore the person concerned has exhausted her entitlement to Illness Benefit with effect from 8 January 2022.
While awaiting the outcome of her appeal the person concerned has been in receipt of Supplementary Welfare Allowance from 3 October 2021. A person is not entitled to payment of both Illness Benefit and Supplementary Welfare Allowance for the same period. Taking account of the amount of Supplementary Welfare Allowance paid during the period in question arrears of €1.43 have been calculated and issued.
A letter issued to the person concerned on 27 January 2022 advising as to the options available to her should she remain incapable of attending work.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
