Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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1416. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason illness benefit for a five-week period ending on 23 July 2025 has been refused for an individual (details supplied), even though this individual was self-isolating due to Covid during that period and did not consult a doctor as she self-diagnosed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47067/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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My Department received an application for Illness Benefit from the person concerned on the 24th July 2025.  Unfortunately, they did not qualify for payment of Illness Benefit as they did not satisfy the certification conditions. 

In order to qualify for Illness Benefit, one of the requirements is that medical evidence in the form of Incapacity for Work certificate must be supplied with the application.

A text message issued to the person on 29th July 2025 explaining that the claim cannot be processed as the Department received no medical evidence.  The person concerned was advised to contact their GP for a Certificate of Incapacity for Work.

If the person concerned is in urgent need of financial assistance, it is open for them to contact the Community Welfare Officer in their local Intreo office to enquire about assistance under the means-tested Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.