Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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401. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an illness benefit will be reviewed for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31188/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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In accordance with Social Welfare Regulations a claim to Illness Benefit should be made within six months of the commencement of the incapacity. If a claim is made outside this period it can only be considered for payment where the delay in claiming was due to either information received from my Department or the claimant being so incapacitated as to be unable to claim in time.

On 13 March 2020 the person concerned informed the Department that they had been incapable of work during the period from 29 January 2019 to 12 May 2019 and sought payment for this period. A Deciding Officer held on 20 March 2020, in accordance with the regulations governing late claims, that no payment was due as the claim was outside the 6 month period.

On receipt of your representation, a review has been conducted by another Deciding Officer and the decision still stands. A letter issued to the person concerned on the 15th October 2020 giving him the full details of this review and advises him that he may appeal this decision by making an appeal to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.