Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 352: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the entitlements of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6W; when a decision will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24598/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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A claim for Illness Benefit was received from the person concerned on 21 May 2009. He was advised by letter dated 28 May 2009 that he is not entitled to Illness Benefit as the records of the Department show that he has insufficient PRSI contributions to satisfy the qualifying conditions (which are also set out in the letter). If the person concerned considers that he has more PRSI contributions than those indicated then he should contact the Illness Benefit Branch of the Department to have his case re-examined.

Even though the person concerned does not currently qualify for payment he does qualify for credited PRSI contributions subject to his continuing to submit medical evidence. Credited contributions help to preserve a person's entitlement to benefits and pensions in the future.

If the person concerned has a medical condition that is expected to last for at least one year and as a result of this disability he is substantially restricted in undertaking work that would otherwise be suitable for him, he may wish to apply for Disability Allowance which is a means tested payment. Application forms may be downloaded from the Department's website or may be obtained from a Social Welfare Local Office or Citizen's Information Centre. Otherwise, if the person's means are not sufficient to meet his needs, he may wish to consider applying for supplementary welfare allowance. In this regard, he should contact the Community Welfare Officer at his local Health Service Executive office, who will advise him of his possible entitlement to this allowance.