Covid enhanced illness benefit

Marymoore

how does the enhanced Illness benefit work? I applied for it but it didn’t ask how long for etc.. how will they know how long I’m out of work for? Thanks

paddyirish23

I did the dame a few weeks back. Looks like it's an automatic 7days and they take you off it. If your still out of work you've to reapply for it again.

Dempo1

Yes rules have changed since January it was originally paid for 10 days but as self isolating rules reduced to 7 days, the maximum allowed now is 7 days so I presume department don't need an end date, they determine in advance 7 days only.

It also cannot be extended (I believe) instead if a person unable to work they have to apply for illness benefit and that requires a certificate of incapacity to work from your GP and obviously enough contributions to qualify.

https://www.gov.ie/en/service/df55ae-how-to-apply-for-illness-benefit-for-covid-19-absences/

Marymoore

Do either of you know what happens if you’re sick for 5 days and not the full 7? Would you be entitled I wonder

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118662971#Comment_118662971

My understanding (Guess) is that with new rules the payment is made based on current isolation rules as in 7 days , I'm not entirely sure if applying for the payment there's an option for how many days it's paid but I've not personally applied so just going on the info published and updated very recently on link above.

I recall it could be originally extended but can't recall if specific amount of days could be claimed as it was essentially based on isolation recommendations . Open to correction however 😏