If illness stops you working, Illness Benefit can pay up to €254 a week in 2026 — and it's based on your PRSI record, not your savings or your employer's sick pay policy. Two things catch people out: the payment doesn't start on day one, and there's a 6-week deadline to claim. Here's the whole thing in plain English.
Quick facts
- Max rate 2026
- €254/week (scaled by earnings, from €114)
- Waiting days
- First 3 days unpaid
- Deadline
- Apply within 6 weeks of getting sick
- Apply
- MyWelfare.ie + GP's Certificate of Incapacity
How much is Illness Benefit in 2026?
Up to €254 a week — the full rate applies if your average earnings were €300+ a week; lower bands step down to €114.
Extra amounts can be added for a dependent adult and children. It's taxable, but PRSI-based — your savings and your partner's income don't affect it.
Who qualifies?
You need 104 weeks of PRSI paid overall, plus contributions in the relevant tax year — for 2026 claims, that's your 2024 record.
Class A, E, H and P contributions count (most employees are class A). Broadly: 39 weeks paid or credited in 2024 (with 13 paid), or 26 weeks paid in each of 2023 and 2024. Self-employed class S doesn't qualify for Illness Benefit — but may for other supports.
How does it work with sick pay from my job?
Statutory Sick Pay from your employer covers the first days; Illness Benefit picks up after — the first 3 days of a claim are unpaid 'waiting days'.
If your employer pays sick pay, you may be asked to sign your Illness Benefit over to them while receiving full wages — normal practice. If you have no sick pay scheme, apply immediately: the 3 waiting days plus processing mean the earlier the claim, the earlier the money.
How do I apply?
Get your GP to complete a 'Certificate of Incapacity for Work', then claim online at MyWelfare.ie — within 6 weeks of falling ill.
Most GPs send the certificate electronically while you're there. Then claim online (or paper form IB1). Miss the 6-week deadline and you can lose payment — if you're already past it with a good reason, claim anyway and explain. Longer-term illness? Check Disability Allowance and Invalidity Pension, and our Additional Needs Payment guide if the gap is causing hardship.
General information, not financial or legal advice. Rules and amounts change — confirm the current details on the official source (Gov.ie, SEAI.ie, HSE.ie or Citizens Information) before you claim.
Off work sick and worried about money?
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