Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2023
386. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection when an illness benefit claim by a person (details supplied) will be issued; the reason for the delay in switching from QAA; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52310/23]
View answerMy Department received an application for Illness Benefit from the person concerned on 16th November 2023. The first 3 days of Illness Benefit are waiting days and as such are unpaid. Sunday is not counted as a payable day for Illness Benefit. This means the person concerned is entitled to payment of Illness Benefit from 20th November 2023.
There was a delay in processing their Illness Benefit claim as they are currently a qualified adult on their partner's social welfare claim. This means that their partner is currently in receipt of a payment for them. A person cannot receive a payment in their own right while at the same time being a dependent on another person's claim. Their partner has received a payment for them up to 28th November 2023.
The monetary difference between their payment as a qualified adult and their illness benefit entitlement has been calculated and they are currently not due any arrears of Illness Benefit as they have already been paid as a qualified adult. As soon as they are due further payment of Illness Benefit, it will issue directly to the person concerned.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
