The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, TD, announced on 21 June, 2022 that the Government has approved the extension of the Enhanced Illness Benefit from the end of June until the end of September 2022.
Employees and self-employed people diagnosed with Covid-19 or as a probable source of infection by a medical practitioner are eligible. The Benefit is paid at the weekly rate of €350 from the first day of illness.
To date, some 516,433 people have been medically certified for receipt of a Covid-19 related Illness Benefit payment. The total amount paid in this support to date is €313.54 million.
Announcing this further extension until end September, Minister Humphreys commented: “The Enhanced Illness Benefit is recognised as an important support for thousands of employees and the self-employed since the start of the pandemic.
“This payment, which is at a higher rate than the standard Illness Benefit, was due to finish initially last February and I extended it to the end of this month and have now extended it to the end of September 2022.
“As we’re currently experiencing an increase in the number of people being diagnosed with Covid-19 in our communities, my Government colleagues and I want to ensure that this financial support continues to be available to these workers should they contract the virus.
“I would appeal to anyone who contracts the Covid-19 virus or is displaying symptoms to self-isolate immediately.
“The simplest way to apply for the Benefit is via MyWelfare.ie.”