Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

581. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the social welfare entitlements for which a person (details supplied) qualifies. [43816/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Illness benefit is a payment for persons 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 contribution year is 2015.

The rate of payment depends on the person’s level of earnings in the governing PRSI contribution year. Where the average weekly earnings are €300 or more, the personal rate of payment is €193 weekly. 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 registered in my Department on 15 September 2017. The person concerned qualifies for a graduated rate of Illness benefit of €151.20 weekly, based on their earnings in the governing year, 2015. Payment has been made to the date of the latest medical certification received.

Supplementary Welfare Allowance is payable where a person’s means are insufficient to meet their needs. Application may be made to the Community Welfare Services at the local Intreo centre. I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.