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Illness Benefit

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021

Wednesday, 3 February 2021

Ceisteanna (427)

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

427. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection if receipt of Covid-19 enhanced illness benefit is accrued as part of standard illness benefit allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5617/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In March 2020, under the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020 (No. 1) and subsequent regulations, the Government provided for entitlement to Illness Benefit for persons who have been diagnosed with Covid-19 or are a probable source of infection with Covid-19.

At €350 per week, the rate of payment of the enhanced Illness Benefit payment in respect of Covid-19 is higher than the normal maximum personal rate of €203 per week.  This measure is designed to ensure that where a registered medical practitioner or a HSE medical officer diagnoses a person with Covid-19, or identifies him or her as a probable source of infection of Covid-19, the person can comply with medical advice to isolate, while having their income protected.  This is essential to limit and slow down the spread of the virus, to keep the number of people affected to a minimum, and to reduce a peak of cases which would otherwise cause extreme pressure on the health system.

The enhanced rate of Illness Benefit was brought in as a short-term public health measure and is not a long-term income support payment.  It is payable for 2 weeks where a person is isolating as a probable source of infection of Covid-19 and up to 10 weeks where a person has been diagnosed with Covid-19. The purpose of the enhanced Illness Benefit payment in respect of Covid-19 is to encourage people to not go to work due to financial constraint when they should be in isolation. 

In a case where a person continues to be ill beyond 10 weeks, standard Illness Benefit may be paid for an extended period, based on the person’s continued eligibility.  Illness Benefit is the primary income support payment for people who are unable to attend work due to illness of any type.  Additional payments may also be made in respect of a qualified adult and qualifying children.

A person who has paid a total of 260 or more contributions at an appropriate class since entering employment is entitled to receive payment of Illness Benefit for a maximum of 624 paid days in any one period of interruption of employment.  The maximum for a person who has paid between 104 and 259 contributions is 312 paid days.  Days of Illness Benefit paid are reckonable towards the maximum number of days payable, regardless of whether they arise from a diagnosis of Covid-19, a requirement to isolate as a possible source of infection of Covid-19 or from another illness.

If a person has exhausted their entitlement to standard Illness Benefit, he or she can apply for the enhanced Illness Benefit.  They are only entitled to it if they have a current contract of employment and a paid contribution in the last four weeks or are self-employed in the four weeks preceding the first day of certification. 

A person in receipt of standard Illness Benefit who has been in employment or self-employment in the four week period prior to being medically certified as either required to self-isolate as a possible source of infection, or diagnosed with Covid-19, may transfer to the enhanced rate payment and revert afterwards to the standard rate, subject to ongoing certification and meeting the eligibility criteria.

A person in receipt of standard Illness Benefit who has not been in employment or self-employment in the previous four weeks is not entitled to the higher rate of payment if they are diagnosed with Covid-19 or are a possible source of infection, but they may continue on standard Illness Benefit, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria.

Apart from these income supports, my Department also provides means tested supports under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme for people who are ill but who do not qualify for Illness Benefit.  The Department may also make an exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income.   

I trust that this clarifies the matter. 

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