Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 December 2018
637. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for illness benefit by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53249/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department administers the Illness Benefit scheme to those customers who cannot work because they are sick or ill, provided they are covered by the appropriate class of social insurance (PRSI) and satisfy the PRSI conditions.
The person concerned does not satisfy the PRSI qualifying conditions for a payment of Illness Benefit. It is open to the person concerned to apply for Disability Allowance if she is suffering from an incapacity that is likely to last for at least one year. Disability Allowance is a means tested scheme. If the person concerned has an urgent financial need she can apply for assistance under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme at her local Intreo centre.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
