Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024
473. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Social Protection what exceptions exist for people who have not paid their full stamps in order to qualify for a payment due to health problems over the years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16487/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIllness benefit is the primary income support provided by my Department to those who are unable to work due to illness of any type. Eligibility for illness benefit is based on medical and contribution conditions. Claimants must have a minimum of 104 social insurance contributions paid under Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) classes A, E, H or P and must meet other conditions in relation to when these were paid and whether they are paid or credited contributions.
Invalidity pension is a social insurance scheme based on PRSI contributions and medical conditions. In order to qualify, the person must have been incapable of work for at least 12 months (and likely to be incapable of work for at least another 12 months) or permanently incapable of work. Claimants must have 260 weeks of paid contributions since starting work and 48 weeks of paid or credited PRSI contributions in the last or second-last complete year before the ‘relevant date’ - this is the date of the start of the person’s permanent incapacity for work as decided by the Department. This date is usually after a year of being incapable of working but can be less where a person is considered permanently incapable of work.
In circumstances where people are ill but do not qualify for illness benefit or invalidity pension, my Department provides means tested supports under the disability allowance scheme and the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. An additional needs payment may also be available to people who have expenses that they cannot pay from their weekly income.
My Department will continue to keep its range of supports under review to ensure that they meet their overall objectives. Any changes to the current system would need to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context, and in the context of contribution rates and the overall sustainability of the Social Insurance Fund.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
