Update from the Department of Social Protection on the COVID-19 Enhanced Illness Benefit
The Department of Social Protection advised that ‘once an individual has been medically certified by their GP or has written confirmation from the HSE that they have been sent for a Covid test and therefore must isolate pending the result then they are entitled to apply for the Enhanced Illness Benefit payment and receive payment of same if they fulfil all other criteria’.
When a worker is told to self-isolate / restrict movements by a doctor or the HSE due to being a probable source of infection or has been diagnosed with COVID-19 (Coronavirus) by a doctor, they can apply for an enhanced Illness Benefit payment of €350 per week.
All employees (other than some public sector employees who pay a modified rate of social insurance) and self-employed, including non-nationals and people living in Direct Provision, are entitled to claim and receive the enhanced COVID-19 Illness Benefit payment where conditions are met.
To be eligible for this payment a person must be confined to their home or a medical facility.
They should phone their GP. They should not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital, instead the GP will assess over the phone.
See full details here: 94475_934c5136-ad7c-4bc5-8901-4abfa9258e12
