Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

990. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an illness benefit application by a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10824/20]

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

I am advised that the person concerned made an Illness Benefit claim from the 25th March 2020 and she therefore does not qualify for payment based on her PRSI contributions.  

In order to qualify for illness benefit, a person must have 104 total PRSI contributions paid at class A, E H or P. A person also must have 39 weeks of PRSI contributions paid or credited in the relevant tax year, of which 13 must be paid contributions at class A, E, H or P. Alternatively, a person may have 26 weeks of PRSI contributions paid in the relevant tax year, and 26 weeks of PRSI contributions paid in the tax year immediately before the relevant tax year with all such contributions at class A, E, H or P. 

The person concerned does not satisfy both of the PRSI conditions necessary for illness benefit payment. She can continue to send in medical certificates in order to receive PRSI credited contributions for the duration of her illness.

I am advised that regrettably an incorrect letter issued to the person concerned on 03/04/20 advising her that she qualified for payment of Illness Benefit. A further letter issued to the person concerned on the 9th June 2020 advising her that she is not entitled to payment of Illness and giving her full details of the decision.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.