Ireland’s number of Covid-19 cases continues to set records week-on-week as transmission remains rife among the community.
As many businesses are put under pressure from staff shortages, so too are the employees who are missing out on much-needed pay.
As a result of these difficulties, Minister Heather Humphreys announced last week that there are several circumstances that will allow workers to avail of the Enhanced Illness Benefit.
So, if you’re out of work as a result of being a close contact, have had a positive PCR test, or have symptoms and are isolating, there are supports in place to cover your weekly income.
According to the Department of Social Protection, the following forms of verificaton will be accepted for those looking to apply for Enhanced Illness Benefit:
- Text message from the HSE that you are a close contact.
- Text message from the HSE that you have a positive PCR.
- Certification from your GP 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.
Both employees and self-employed people can qualify for the Covid-19 enhanced Illness Benefit which is a weekly sum of €350.
Other conditions that deem you eligible for the payment include:
- Being aged between 18 and 66
- Being confined to your home or a medical facility
- Being employed in at least one of the 4 weeks before your medical certification and have a current contract of employment, if you are an employee
- Having worked immediately before your medical certification and will have reckonable income in the current contribution year, if you are self-employed
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