Illness Benefit (DSP) in Ireland — How to Claim and What's Required (2026)
A clear, practical guide to claiming Illness Benefit from the Department of Social Protection in Ireland.
What is Illness Benefit?
Illness Benefit is a weekly Department of Social Protection payment for people who can’t work because of illness, provided you have enough PRSI contributions and are aged 16–66.
What you need
- Form IB1 — completed in person by your usual treating doctor (one form per claim spell)
- MED1 certificates — issued for ongoing absence
- Sufficient PRSI contributions
Why online sick certs do NOT cover Illness Benefit
The DSP requires the official IB1 form completed in person by your usual treating doctor — not online. An online sick cert is for employer absence only, not social-welfare claims. Use the right document for the right purpose.
How to apply
- See your usual treating doctor for the IB1
- Submit it to the DSP — by post or via mywelfare.ie
- Continue submitting MED1 certificates while the absence continues
Where an Online Doctor can help
We can help with the underlying clinical management — but the DSP-required documentation must be completed in person by your treating doctor. We will write to them with our findings on request.
FAQs
Can I claim Illness Benefit with an online cert?
How long can I claim?
Is partial illness covered?
Can I appeal a refusal?
Cost?
Speak to an Online Doctor
Same-day video and phone consultations across Ireland, €34.99.