John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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424. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the correct rate of benefit is being paid to a person (details supplied). [44281/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I am advised that the person concerned is not currently in receipt of a payment from this Department.

An application for Illness Benefit was received from the person concerned on 9 November 2020.

One of the qualifying conditions for Illness Benefit is that a person 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.

I am advised that the person concerned does not satisfy the contribution conditions for payment of Illness Benefit and a letter has issued to him explaining the position. He can continue to send in medical certificates in order to receive PRSI credited contributions for the duration of his illness.

Should the person concerned be in need of urgent financial assistance, it is open to him to contact the Community Welfare Service at his local Intreo Centre.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.