Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 November 2022
248. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the way in which persons (details supplied) are likely to benefit from Budget 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58507/22]
View answerThe person concerned is currently in receipt of Illness Benefit and has been in receipt of payment from the 6th December 2021 to date. He is in receipt of the full personal rate of Illness Benefit at €208 per week. This will increase by €12 to €220 per week in January 2023 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.
I do appreciate however that individual circumstances can vary from case to case. I have asked my officials to examine the issue in respect of people who are in receipt of Illness Benefit for longer periods of time.
If the person concerned is experiencing difficulties in meeting their basic financial commitments it is also open to them to contact the Community Welfare Service at their local Intreo Centre to see if they might qualify for assistance under the terms of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme.
