Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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1260. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when an application by a person (details supplied) for illness benefit will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46807/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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Illness benefit is a payment for persons who cannot work due to illness and who satisfy the pay-related social insurance (PRSI) 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 30 May 2017. The person concerned did not meet the qualifying criteria based on the records held by my Department and was sent a form asking for information on any other contributions or credits due to them. When this form was returned my Department verified that a VTOS (Training Course) credits were due for 2015 which enabled qualification.

The person concerned qualified for a graduated rate of illness benefit of €86.70 weekly, based on earnings in the governing year 2015. Payment to the date of the latest medical certificate received has been paid.

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 this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.