If a worker is told to self-isolate, restrict their movements or diagnosed with COVID-19, they can apply for a COVID-19 enhanced Illness Benefit payment. Both employees and self-employed people can qualify for the COVID-19 enhanced Illness Benefit.
Enhanced Illness Benefit (EIB) claims are paid on the day they are authorised so payments issue every day during the week. During the period 28 January to 3 February 2022 (the latest PUP payment week), some 18,254 people received the EIB payment from the department valued at €7 million. The total amount paid in EIB to date is €235.9 million.
Minister Humphreys recently announced that the Department of Social Protection has expanded the range of documentation customers can use to apply for the Enhanced Illness Benefit.
To avail of Enhanced Illness Benefit, depending on the circumstances of the person applying for the payment, the Department of Social Protection will accept:
- confirmation from the HSE that you are positive for COVID-19 either through a RT-PCR test or having registered a positive antigen test or a close contact
- certification from your doctor that you have symptoms of COVID-19 and/or are a probable source of infection
- confirmation from the HSE that you have ordered an antigen test kit or have booked a RT-PCR test
You can apply for EIB here: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/df55ae-how-to-apply-for-illness-benefit-for-covid-19-absences/