Publication
Get an Illness Benefit form and apply by post
From Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
Published at:
Last updated
Step 1
- If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, or advised to self-isolate due to being a probable source of infection by a doctor, the doctor will then complete a Certificate of Incapacity for Work (or eCert equivalent) on your behalf and send this directly to the department. To complete the Certificate of Incapacity for Work, your doctor will ask you for your name, PPSN and Date of Birth.
- Alternatively, if you have been advised by the HSE that you must self-isolate due to being a probable source of infection (e.g. contact tracing) , you will have received a text or a letter from the HSE that you have been identified as being a contact of someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19. You will need to submit a copy of this notification with your Illness Benefit application form.
- If you are returning from travel abroad and following HSE self-isolation advice, and are not being paid by your employer, you will require your GP to complete a Certificate of Incapacity for Work on your behalf.
- If you require two successive period of self-isolation i.e. four weeks in total, separate claims must be submitted for both periods, with medical certification provided.
- If you require a second period of self-isolation due to contact tracing in relation to a second person with COVID-19, separate claims must be submitted for both periods, with Certificate of Incapacity for Work provided. You must return to work and make a PRSI contribution before you can be eligible for another period of self-isolation.
Step 2
You can apply for the emergency COVID-19 payment online at mywelfare.ie.
All you need to apply for the service is a basic MyGovID account. There are no appointments or anything for this. All you need is an email address and it only takes a short time to sign up.
Once you've got the basic MyGovID account (or if you already have an existing MyGovID account), just click the button below to apply for this payment.
A Certificate of Incapacity for Work from your GP or a letter or text from the HSE must be provided. Please ensure that your GP has submitted the Certificate of Incapacity for Work electronically or by post to the Department. Where you have a text or letter from the HSE please submit it as an attachment with your application for COVID IB.
Step 2
- call 1890 800 024 or 01 2481398 between 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday to get an application form by post
- organise someone to pick up a form at your doctor’s surgery or at your local Intreo Centre
- request a form to be posted to you by sending an email with your name and address and form required to forms@welfare.ie . Forms can only be posted to addresses in Ireland.
Once both the application form and the Certificate of Incapacity for Work are received payment will be processed.
It is important to complete part 5 of the Illness Benefit form as this contain how you would like to be paid. You do not have to fill in part 7 of the form.
It is very important to fill in your bank details correctly, include IBAN and BIC to avoid delays to your payments.
More information on Illness Benefit for COVID-19 absences
