Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 October 2019
208. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the contributions record for a person (details supplied) entitles them to benefit during serious illness; and the entitlements available to them as a self-employed person. [43796/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Person Concerned submitted an application for Illness Benefit from the 18th February 2019 but did not qualify as he did not satisfy the PRSI contribution conditions necessary for payment. Class S contributions paid by the self employed are not a reckonable contribution for Illness Benefit.
If the person concerned is ill and will be unfit for work for at least one year, he can apply for the long term scheme Invalidity Pension. Class S contributions are a qualifying contribution class for this scheme.
He can also apply for Disability Allowance, which is a means tested payment for those persons unable to work due to a long term illness or disability, and who expect to be out of work for at least one year.
Should the person concerned be in need of urgent financial assistance, it is open to him to contact the Community Welfare Service at his local Intreo Centre.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
