Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 May 2022
309. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person whose entitlement to the illness benefit is exhausted after two years can sign on for credits in the time between the end of their illness benefit and the making of an invalidity pension application in cases in which that person had full PRSI contributions made prior to becoming ill and who worked in the private sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21969/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA person who satisfies the conditions for receipt of Illness Benefit can receive a payment for a maximum of 1 or 2 years depending on the level of PRSI contributions they have paid.
In advance of the ending of their entitlement to a payment a letter issues advising as to the date the entitlement is due to end. The letter advises as to the options available going forward. In this regard the person is advised that they may continue to submit medical certificates in order to be awarded credits, or if they expect to be unable to attend work for a period of at least another year they can apply for Invalidity Pension, which is contribution based, or Disability Allowance which is a means tested scheme. If the person expects to be in a position to resume work in the short-term they can apply for a Jobseeker's payment.
If a person remains out of work but does not satisfy the criteria for the schemes mentioned above and they are struggling to meet their basic financial needs they could apply for assistance under the terms of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
