Most people who are hurt at work claim Illness Benefit, or claim nothing. Injury Benefit is a different payment under the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme, and the journey to and from work counts — which is the part almost nobody knows.
Quick facts
- Max rate 2026
- €254 a week
- Adult dependant
- +€168.60
- How long
- Up to 26 weeks
- Waiting days
- First 3 days unpaid
- Deadline
- Apply within 6 weeks
How much is Injury Benefit in 2026?
A maximum personal rate of €254 a week, from 5 January 2026, with €168.60 for an adult dependant.
For children it is €58 full rate or €29 half rate under 12, and €78 full rate or €39 half rate at 12 and over.
What counts as a work accident?
Three things qualify: an accident at work, an occupational disease from the work you do, and the one people miss — “An accident while travelling directly to or from work (on an unbroken journey)”.
That commute rule is worth reading twice. If you came off your bike on the way to work, or were hit in a car on the way home, that is an occupational accident. Unbroken journey is the condition: stopping off on the way breaks it.
The 3-day rule, and why to report it anyway
“To get Injury Benefit, you must be unfit for work for more than 3 days as a result of the accident or disease. The 3 days do not include Sundays and paid holiday leave.”
If you are out for 3 days or less you get nothing now — but you can still ask for a declaration that you had an occupational accident. Do it. If that injury causes problems years later, the declaration is what protects your right to claim then. A file note today is worth more than an argument in 2031.
How long does it run?
“Injury Benefit is not paid for the first 3 days of your illness or incapacity… You can get Injury Benefit for up to 26 weeks (6 months).”
If you are still unable to work at 26 weeks, the next steps are Illness Benefit, Disability Allowance or Supplementary Welfare Allowance. And if the accident left you with a lasting loss of physical or mental ability, Disablement Benefit is a separate claim on top.
The 6-week deadline
“You should apply for Injury Benefit within 6 weeks of becoming unfit for work. If you apply after 6 weeks, you may not get the payment.”
You need an IB1 claim form from your doctor and a Certificate of Incapacity for Work. Six weeks passes very quickly when you are injured and dealing with an employer, so if you are unsure whether you qualify, put the claim in anyway.
Common questions
How much is Injury Benefit in Ireland in 2026?
Up to €254 a week as the maximum personal rate from 5 January 2026, plus €168.60 for an adult dependant. For children it is €58 full rate or €29 half rate under 12, and €78 or €39 at 12 and over.
Does an accident on the way to work count?
Yes. Citizens Information lists 'an accident while travelling directly to or from work (on an unbroken journey)' as qualifying. The journey has to be unbroken — stopping off on the way breaks it.
How long is Injury Benefit paid for?
Up to 26 weeks, which is six months. The first 3 days are not paid. If you are still unable to work at the end of it, you may move to Illness Benefit, Disability Allowance or Supplementary Welfare Allowance.
What if I was only off work for two days?
You will not get Injury Benefit, because you must be unfit for work for more than 3 days. But you should still ask for a declaration that you had an occupational accident. It protects your right to claim under the scheme if that injury causes problems later.
Is there a deadline to claim Injury Benefit?
Yes — six weeks from becoming unfit for work. Citizens Information says that if you apply after 6 weeks, you may not get the payment.
Do I need PRSI contributions like Illness Benefit?
Injury Benefit sits under the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme rather than the ordinary PRSI illness rules, so the qualifying conditions are different. If you were turned down for Illness Benefit on your contribution record, it is worth checking this separately.