Illness Benefit in Ireland — Sick Pay & DSP Guide
Illness Benefit is the main social welfare payment when you cannot work due to illness in Ireland. Here is how it works alongside employer sick pay and what medical certs you need.
Sick-pay in Ireland — the layers
If you cannot work due to illness in Ireland, there are typically two parallel layers of support:
- Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) — your employer pays you a portion of your wage for a limited number of days each year (Ireland's SSP scheme has been phasing in since 2023 — current entitlement increases year-on-year; check current figures).
- Illness Benefit — paid by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) for longer-term illness once you're out of the SSP window, subject to PRSI contributions.
Many employer contracts also provide additional sick pay beyond SSP — check your employment contract or HR.
Illness Benefit — key features
Per DSP Illness Benefit:
- Available to employees and self-employed (with relevant PRSI contributions) under age 66
- Subject to means assessment in some cases
- Currently does not pay for the first 3 days of illness ("waiting days")
- Paid weekly; rate depends on your average weekly earnings
- Can last up to 2 years depending on PRSI contributions
- Application via the MyWelfare website or paper form (Form IB1)
Medical certificates — what kind, from whom
The Department of Social Protection has specific requirements:
- For Illness Benefit / IB1 claims: a medical certificate from your treating doctor ("Medical Certificate of Incapacity for Work" — completed electronically through the DSP MED1 system). Online consultation-only sick certs are NOT accepted per current DSP guidance — the cert must come from your registered treating doctor as part of an in-person care relationship.
- For employer sick pay: most employers accept a sick cert from any registered doctor for short-term absence (sometimes self-certification for 1-3 days). Check your specific employer's policy.
- For colleges/schools: most accept a sick cert from any registered doctor, including Online Doctor consultations.
What sick certs can an Online Doctor provide?
Online Doctor consultations can provide sick certificates accepted by most employers for short-term absence and by colleges/schools for student absence. Examples include:
- Standard sick certificate for time off work
- Back-to-work certificate (fit to return)
- Fit-to-work certificate (with or without modifications)
- Student/college medical certificate
- School absence note for parents
What an Online Doctor sick cert cannot replace: the DSP MED1 form for Illness Benefit. For that you need your treating doctor.
Apply for Illness Benefit — practical steps
- See your treating doctor — they complete the electronic MED1 form
- Apply on MyWelfare (online at gov.ie/mywelfare) — requires MyGovID
- Or submit paper Form IB1 by post
- Provide PPS number, bank details, employment details
- The DSP will assess and notify you
- Subsequent weekly cert may be needed if illness continues — your treating doctor renews
Other welfare options to know about
- Invalidity Pension — for permanent incapacity (12+ months), subject to PRSI
- Disability Allowance — for those with a long-term disability, means-tested
- Carer's Benefit / Allowance — for those caring for someone needing full-time care
- Treatment Benefit Scheme — dental, optical, hearing for PRSI-paying individuals
Online Doctor consultation
For employer or school sick certs, an Online Doctor consultation is fast, confidential, and accepted by most employers and schools. For DSP Illness Benefit (MED1), please see your treating doctor.
Sources: DSP Illness Benefit, gov.ie welfare services, Citizens Information. Rates and rules change with each Budget — always confirm current figures at gov.ie.
Two layers in Ireland
Statutory Sick Pay (employer-funded) + Illness Benefit (DSP-funded after waiting days).
Medical cert required
Most illness payments need a doctor's certificate confirming inability to work.
Online sick certs
Per DSP, online sick certs are NOT accepted for Illness Benefit/IB1 claims — needs your treating doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a sick cert for Illness Benefit from an Online Doctor?
Can my employer accept an Online Doctor sick cert?
How much is Illness Benefit?
What if my employer does not provide sick pay?
I am self-employed — can I claim Illness Benefit?
How long does Illness Benefit last?
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