A married woman living in Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh, who had been working in Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan for ten years,  is currently seriously unwell and unlikely to return to work. She wants to know what sickness payments she might be entitled to.

As a frontier worker she pays social insurance (PRSI) via her employer’s payroll system, this means that Ireland is responsible for her sickness benefit and invalidity benefit.

She can first apply for Illness Benefit, which is based on her PRSI contributions and requires a medical certificate from a GP. While there is no payment for the first three days of illness, not counting Sunday, the payment can be claimed for up to 2 years (depending on social insurance contributions).

As she is unlikely to return to work she may be advised to instead apply for Invalidity Pension. A long-term payment, based on social insurance contributions, with a very high medical threshold.

Page last checked: 2 March 2023