Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2018
742. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a claim for illness benefit by a person (details supplied) will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37347/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department experienced some delay following the introduction of a new system for Illness benefit. The change is part of a programme of modernisation in the Department’s Illness Benefit section which took effect from Monday, 6 August. Some GPs have continued to use the old forms after this changeover date. In order to facilitate the continued payment of Illness and Injury Benefit to our customers, the Department has, to date, continued to accept old MC1 and MC2 forms where provided by GPs. However, the continued use of old forms by some GPs is causing significant delays to our processing times, as the old forms are not compatible with the new system, with each one requiring manual inputting into the Department's payment systems.
However the claim form for the person concerned is now processed and she is in receipt of their full entitlements under the Illness Benefit Scheme and any/all arrears owing to her has been paid.
