Written answers

Wednesday, 14 September 2022

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

Social Welfare Rates

Photo of Brendan GriffinBrendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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378. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the rate of illness benefit for a person (details supplied) will be increased; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44616/22]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Illness Benefit is a social insurance scheme provided by my Department to those who cannot work due to illness and who have the required number of Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contributions. Illness Benefit is payable for a maximum two years, depending on continued eligibility. Additional payments for qualified children and qualified adults may also apply.

The rate of Illness Benefit payable is based on a person's earnings in the second last complete tax year from which they make their claim. The person concerned qualified for the maximum personal rate of payment which is currently €208.00 per week.

The person concerned included details of their children on their Illness Benefit application. However, she does not qualify for an increase in respect of these children as the claimants spouse earns over €400.00 per week.

Any increases to the rate of Illness Benefit payment would need to be considered in an overall budgetary context.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

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