Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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527. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason illness benefit payments are not correct in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14752/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned was previously in receipt of Occupational Injury Benefit and was paid up to the 18th November 2018 on this scheme. His Illness Benefit payment commenced from the 19th November 2018.  An officer of the Department has examined his claim and decided he is due arrears of €33.00 for the 19th November 2018 and this money has now issued to him.

The Illness Benefit claim from the person concerned is currently at the maximum rate of €203 and has been paid up to the 17th March 2019, which is the date on his most recent medical certificate. 

If the person concerned remains unfit for work, a further medical certificate should be submitted to the Department as soon as possible in order for further payments to issue.

It is worth noting that under the closed certification model introduced in March, general practitioners can give a medical certificate to cover the full period the person is expected to be unfit for work.  Such a certificate facilitates a weekly payment to be made to the person each week over the period of certification without the need for the person to attend his general practitioner to obtain a medical certificate each week.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.