Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 December 2019
619. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will address the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51364/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraSelf employed persons do not qualify for Illness Benefit but can apply for Invalidity Pension or Disability Allowance.
Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
A total of 260 weeks PRSI paid and 48 weeks PRSI paid or credited in the last or second last complete tax year before the relevant date of application are required to satisfy the PRSI conditions for IP. The reckonable PRSI contribution classes for IP are A, E, H and S.
Disability allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged over 16 and under 66. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and a habitual residency test.
It is open to the gentleman concerned to make an application for IP and/or DA and a decision on his eligibility will be made as soon as possible.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
