Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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276. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the illness benefit payable in the case of a person (details supplied); the reason such persons are not informed as to the most beneficial payment for claimants in their circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6504/18]

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) contribution conditions. The rate of payment depends on the person’s level of earnings in the governing PRSI contribution year. For Illness Benefit claims made in 2017, the governing contribution year is 2015. 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 1 December 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. They are also entitled to a graduated rate of €83 for their adult dependant.

When Illness Benefit was awarded to the person concerned a form was issued which provided details of Invalidity Pension and stated that the rate of Invalidity Pension was higher than the rate of Illness Benefit. It also stated that Invalidity pension is a payment for people who are medically assessed as being permanently incapable of work for at least the next 12 months.

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.