Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 March 2026
200. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide an update on the illness benefit payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17428/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department received an application for Illness Benefit from the person concerned on the 12th March 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 letter issued on the 17th March 2025 to the address that was provided on the online application form. The letter explained 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.
The claim was withdrawn on the 26th March 2025 as the person failed to reply to the Department.
In relation to November 2025, there is no Illness Benefit application on our system and no Illness Benefit claim is recorded for this period.
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.
