Minister Humphreys extends Enhanced Illness Benefit until end of June

€350 weekly payment available to people diagnosed with Covid-19 or told to self-isolate

Almost €230 million paid in EIB payments to date; Over 374,500 people supported

Quickest and easiest way to apply is via MyWelfare.ie

The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has secured Government approval to extend the Enhanced Illness Benefit (EIB) – paid at €350 per week – until the end of June.

This scheme will continue to support people who are diagnosed with Covid-19 or who need to self-isolate in line with HSE guidelines or the advice of a GP.

EIB is paid at a weekly rate of €350 (excluding Sundays) and is paid from the first day of illness.

In general, EIB is paid for up to seven days but, depending on the severity of the Covid-19 infection, it can be paid for longer.

To date, almost €230 million has been paid under this scheme, supporting over 374,500 people.

In the week from Friday, 21st January 2022 to Thursday, 27th January 2022 some 31,190 people were certified to receive this payment.

As of this morning, there are currently 11,680 people receiving this payment.

Announcing the extension of EIB until June 30th, 2022, Minister Humphreys said:

“The Enhanced Illness Benefit has been a vital support for so many workers and the self-employed throughout this Pandemic. Self-employed people are entitled, and have been since the start of the scheme, to Covid-Illness Benefit.

“The fact that we have supported over 374,500 people truly demonstrates the importance of this scheme.

“The current payment rate of €350 per week was initially due to cease later this month.

“However, with Covid-19 still circulating in our communities, I believe it is important that we extend the payment until the end of June. I am glad to have secured Government approval to make these changes today.

“My message to anyone who contracts Covid-19 or is displaying symptoms is to self-isolate immediately.

“EIB will be made available to you and the easiest way to apply is via MyWelfare.ie.”

Ends.

Note to Editor

To avail of Enhanced Illness Benefit, depending on your circumstances, the Department of Social Protection will accept:

Confirmation from the HSE that you are positive for Covid-19 either through a PCR test or having registered a positive antigen test.
Certification from your doctor 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 kit or have booked a PCR test.