The number of waiting days before an individual can claim the standard Illness Benefit Payment in Ireland was reduced from six to three days, effective 1 Mar 2021. The reduced waiting period reinstates the threshold that applied prior to 2014, and means that the Illness Benefit Payment is now paid from the fourth day to eligible employees insured under the Pay Related Social Insurance. 

The measure, announced by the government in the Budget 2021, aims to reduce the financial burden for employees who become ill. However, no minimum waiting period is imposed for the special COVID-19 Enhanced Illness Benefit Payment, subject to provision of a medical certificate from a doctor from the first day that a person is diagnosed or required to self-isolate.  

Related resources

• Government press release (Irish government, 1 Mar 2021)
• Information on Illness Benefit (Irish government, 1 Mar 2021)
• Information on Enhanced Illness Benefit Scheme (Irish government, 24 Feb 2021)
• Budget 2021 (Irish government, 15 Oct 2020)