Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2024
310. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been brought to the anomaly that public sector workers can work to 70 years of age but illness benefit cannot be claimed by those working beyond the age of 66 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20433/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIllness benefit is the primary short term income support provided by my Department to those who are unable to work due to illness of any type and who are covered by social insurance. Eligibility for illness benefit depends on the person’s PRSI record and class. People must have made the required number of contributions under PRSI Class A, E, H or P to qualify.
Previously, illness benefit was only available to persons under 66. Under legislation that came into effect at the start of 2024 if a person born on or after 1 January 1958 has attained pensionable age of 66 years but has neither attained the age of 70 years nor been awarded a state pension (contributory) they may be entitled to illness benefit, subject to meeting the other conditions of the scheme.
Once a person reaches 66 years of age, they may be entitled to a state pension (contributory), depending on their contribution history. A person can draw their state pension (contributory) and continue to work. If they do not have sufficient PRSI contributions for a state pension (contributory) they may be entitled to the state pension (non-contributory), subject to a means test.
With regard to additional supports, my Department also provides an additional needs payment under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme to help meet essential expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. This includes exceptional and urgent needs payments, and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from a person’s own resources and are deemed to be necessary.
The payment is available to anyone who needs it and qualifies, whether the person is currently on a social welfare payment or in employment. The payment amount will depend on a person’s weekly household income, their outgoings and the type of assistance needed. Payments are made at the discretion of the Community Welfare Officers administering the scheme, considering all the circumstances of the case.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
