Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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153. To ask the Minister for Social Protection to outline the status of an application for illness benefit in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12450/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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Illness benefit is a payment for people who cannot work due to illness and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions. For illness benefit claims made in 2017 the governing PRSI contribution year is 2015.

The rate of payment depends onthe person’s level of earnings in the governing contribution year. Where the average weeklyearnings are €300 or more, the personal rate of payment is €188 (€193 from 13March 2017). A graduated rate applies where the average weekly earnings are less than €300.

The person concerned made a claim to illness benefit and this claim was received in my Department on 15 February 2017.

The person concerned qualifies for a graduated rate of illness benefit of €121.40 weekly (€124.60 from 13 March next) based on their earnings in the governing year 2015.

The person concerned may also be due an increase in their payment in respect of their spouse/partner. As this depends on the spouse/partner’s level of earnings some further enquiries are being made in this matter. When these are completed a decision will be made on whether an increase should be paid in respect of the spouse/partner and the person concerned will be notified accordingly.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.