Peter Burke
Question:730. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will examine the payment of illness benefit to a person (details supplied); and if she will consider same for double payments. [55552/22]
View answerTuesday, 8 November 2022
Questions (730)
Written answers
The person concerned is currently in receipt of the full personal rate of Illness Benefit, €208 per week. This will increase by €12 to €220 per week in January 2023 as part of Budget 2023. Illness Benefit is not one of the social welfare benefits that qualifies for the double payments announced as part of Budget 2023.
Illness Benefit is intended for people with short duration illnesses who will return to work relatively quickly. The average duration on the scheme is approximately six days and it is payable for a maximum of two years subject to eligibility conditions being met. For individuals with longer term needs they may apply for an Invalidity Pension or Disability Allowance.
If the person concerned is experiencing difficulties in meeting his basic financial commitments it is also open to him to contact the Community Welfare Service at his local Intreo Centre to see if he might qualify for assistance under the terms of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme.
I trust this clarifies the position.