Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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143. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to reports that in order to claim illness benefit for Covid-related illness, a PCR test is not accepted, and that an individual is expected to attain a medical certificate from a doctor at considerable cost; if she will revoke this requirement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52395/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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All claims for illness benefit must be accompanied by a Certificate of Incapacity for Work from a GP.  This specifies the nature of the illness and the duration of the incapacity for work. 

The use of HSE texts as an acceptable form of medical evidence to support claims for Enhanced Illness Benefit was introduced at the start of the pandemic as an exceptional measure.  The objective was to assist people who had tested positive with Covid-19 or who had been identified as a potential source of infection with Covid-19 to promptly comply with medical advice in line with public health objectives. 

In April 2022, in light of the changed public health guidance, the Department decided that the exceptional measure of accepting a HSE text message would be discontinued, and that those seeking a payment of Enhanced Illness Benefit would now be required to provide the appropriate medical certificate to support their claim, as is the case for all Illness Benefit claims.  

The Enhanced rate of Illness Benefit (EIB) scheme closed on 30 September 2022 and the eligibility criteria for Illness Benefit applies to all claims regardless of the illness type.  Currently, where a customer has any illness, including a Covid-related illness and they satisfy the eligibility criteria, they may apply for illness benefit with the necessary certification from their GP, and the applicable standard rate of Illness Benefit will be paid.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.