How Illness Benefit in Ireland Works: A Complete Guide

If you are unable to work due to illness and meet certain conditions, you may be entitled to Illness Benefit in Ireland. This is a short-term payment provided by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) to help support your income while you recover.

In this guide, we’ll explain how Illness Benefit in Ireland works, who can claim, how to check your PRSI record, and why Income Protection can provide additional long-term financial security.

What Is Illness Benefit in Ireland?

Illness Benefit in Ireland is a weekly payment for people who cannot work because they are sick or injured but are not covered under Occupational Injury Benefit (which applies to workplace accidents).

It is designed to give you financial support while you’re temporarily out of work.

Unlike other supports, Illness Benefit is not means-tested, meaning your savings or household income don’t affect eligibility. Instead, it is based on your PRSI (Pay Related Social Insurance) contributions.

Who Qualifies for Illness Benefit?

To qualify for Illness Benefit in Ireland, you must:

• Be under 66 years of age.
• Be certified as medically unfit to work by your GP.
• Have the required number of PRSI contributions paid.

The PRSI contribution requirements are:

• At least 104 weeks of PRSI contributions since you first started work

and

• 39 weeks of PRSI contributions paid or credited in the relevant tax year (with at least 13 paid weeks), or 26 weeks of PRSI contributions in both the relevant tax year and the year immediately before.

👉 Example: Mary, age 35, worked full-time for six years and has over 300 PRSI contributions. She becomes ill and cannot work. Because she meets the contribution conditions, she qualifies for Illness Benefit.

Illness Benefit & the Self Employed

Self-employed individuals in Ireland generally do not qualify for Illness Benefit. Under the current system self employed pay PRSI contributions under Class S, which does not cover illness benefit.

If you are 100% self employed with no income from employment then you need to get income protection in place to cover any long periods of illness.

How to Check Your PRSI Record

Your PRSI record is the official record of your social insurance contributions, and it determines your eligibility for Illness Benefit and other supports.

To check your PRSI record:

1. Log in to MyWelfare.ie using your MyGovID account.
2. Select ‘Request a Statement of Your Social Insurance Record’.
3. View your record instantly online or request a copy by post.

Your PRSI record will show:

• The number of contributions you’ve paid.
• The class of contributions (e.g., Class A, Class S).
• Any credited contributions during illness or unemployment.

It’s a good idea to review your record regularly to make sure everything is correct.

How Much Is Illness Benefit in Ireland?

The weekly rate of Illness Benefit in Ireland depends on your average weekly earnings in the relevant tax year.

• As of 2025, the maximum personal rate is €244 per week, with potential increases for adult and child dependants.
• Lower earnings may result in a reduced rate.
• You can find the full breakdown of rates on the DSP website.

How Long Can You Receive Illness Benefit?

Illness Benefit in Ireland is usually paid for up to:

• 2 years (624 payment days) if you have at least 260 paid PRSI contributions.
• 1 year (312 payment days) if you have fewer than 260 paid PRSI contributions.

👉 Example: John has been working part-time for three years and has 180 PRSI contributions. He qualifies for Illness Benefit but can only receive it for up to one year.

How to Apply for Illness Benefit in Ireland

The application process is straightforward:

1. Get a Certificate of Incapacity for Work from your GP.
2. Apply online via MyWelfare.ie or by completing the IB1 form.
3. Submit your application along with the medical certificate to the DSP.

Is Illness Benefit Taxable?

Yes. While Illness Benefit in Ireland is a social welfare payment, it is taxable if you are still considered employed. However:

• It is not subject to PRSI or USC.
• Revenue adjusts your tax credits to account for this.

Illness Benefit vs Income Protection: Key Differences

While Illness Benefit is a useful short-term safety net, it may not cover all your needs.

Here’s how it compares with Income Protection:

Income Protection: Extra Security Beyond Illness Benefit

If you’re worried about how long-term illness could affect your finances, Income Protection insurance can provide an additional layer of protection:

• Covers up to 75% of your income (including Illness Benefit).
• Pays out until you return to work or reach retirement age (depending on policy).
• Premiums qualify for tax relief at your marginal rate, reducing the net cost.

👉 Example: Aine, age 35, earns €48,000 per year. She takes out an Income Protection policy covering 75% of her income (€36,000). Her monthly premium is €108, but after tax relief, the net cost is only €65.

Final Thoughts

Falling ill can be stressful — especially if you’re worried about paying your bills. Illness Benefit in Ireland provides short-term financial support, while Income Protection offers long-term security.

At Greenway Financial Advisors, we can help you explore the right balance between state benefits and private cover.