Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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293. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the timeframe within which illness benefit is paid once his Department has received an application; the waiting times for receipt of this payment; if there is a delay in issuing this payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23351/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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Illness Benefit is a payment for persons who are unable to work due to illness and who satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions. At present claims are decided, on average, within six days of their receipt in my Department.

Under the regulations governing the scheme, entitlement to payment of illness benefit is from the seventh day of illness so that, in practice, payment is not normally made until a second medical certificate has been received. Payment of illness benefit is made in arrears.

It is crucial that persons claiming Illness Benefit send in regular medical certificates promptly while they are unable to work due to illness to ensure continued payment of benefit.