Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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882. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the rate of illness benefit for a person (details supplied) can be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16723/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The rate of Illness Benefit payable is based on the applicant’s average weekly earnings from employment during the relevant tax tear. The claim in question commenced in 2022 with the relevant tax year at that time being 2020.

The average weekly earnings of the person concerned in 2020 were between €150.00 and €219.99 and, as such, they qualified for Illness Benefit at the reduced rate of €134.20 per week. The rate in payment was reviewed at the start of 2023 to take account of the new relevant tax year. The average weekly earnings remained below €219.99 meaning the person concerned continued to qualify for a reduced rate of Illness Benefit. Taking account of budgetary increases, the person concerned is currently in receipt of Illness Benefit of €141.90 per week.

If the person concerned is encountering difficulties meeting their basic financial commitments, it is open to them to contact the Community Welfare Service at their local Intreo Centre to see if they might qualify for assistance under the terms of the means-tested Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.