John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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791. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will examine the situation where a person (details supplied) has been penalised for returning to education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25971/16]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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Illness Benefit is a payment for persons who are incapable of work and who satisfy certain pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions. The rate payable on illness benefit claims depends on a person's average reckonable weekly earnings in the governing contribution year.

The person concerned is in receipt of illness benefit from 25 June 2016 and their rate of payment is based on their earnings in the 2014 governing year. There are nil earnings recorded for the person concerned in 2014. The corresponding current rate of illness benefit payable for a person with nil earnings is €84.50 per week.

The person concerned has applied for disability allowance, this application is currently being processed by my department.

If the person concerned is unable to meet their needs or the needs of their household, they may be entitled to supplementary welfare allowance and should contact my department's community welfare services at their local Intreo office.

VTOS is operated through local Education and Training Boards and for further information on this matter the person concerned should contact the local VTOS centre.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.