Written answers

Wednesday, 13 November 2013

Department of Social Protection

Illness Benefit Applications

Photo of Jim DalyJim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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85. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she is satisfied that a person in full time work for the past twenty years should receive a reduced rate of illness benefit this year as her Department reference year of 2011 was the year the person was on maternity leave with reduced salary; if it is possible for her Department to reference any other year that the person was full time employed and paid full rate PRSI; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48445/13]

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Illness benefit is a payment made to insured people who are unable to work due to illness and who satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions.

Under the Social Protection Regulations, the rate payable on illness benefit claims depends on a person's earnings in the governing contribution year. The governing contribution year is the second last complete tax year before the year in which a claim is made. So, for claims made in 2013, the relevant tax/PRSI year is 2011. The person concerned made a claim for illness benefit on 21st October 2013. The governing contribution year in respect of their claim is thus 2011. The governing contribution year is determined by legislation therefore it is not possible to use an alternative reference year.

A person who qualifies for illness benefit at a reduced rate may claim a top-up payment of supplementary welfare allowance if their means are insufficient to meet their needs. They should contact the Department of Social Protection representative at their local health centre in order that their entitlement can be assessed.

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