Illness Benefit & XMas Bonus

Darrio

Hi all, just a quick question.

If on Illness Benefit for more that 15 months, do you get the XMas Bonus.

Thanks

Wanderer78

Darrio wrote:

If on Illness Benefit for more that 15 months, do you get the XMas Bonus.

I think you do, but I could be wrong

splinter65

No.

Leilak

yes

wifey28

illness benifit is a short term payment and as such you are not eligible for the xmas bonus, its only paid out to long term social welfare recipients

Darrio

Thank you very much, I was not sure. I suppose I was just hopeful !

One More Toy

Was just about to ask this. Balls

apache

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/111944469#Comment_111944469

I was wondering this so I saw this thread. You should not be treated any differently on illness benefit. I don't see why.

hawthorne

Of course anyone on long term illness benefit (means anyone over 12 months on it) gets BOTH bonuses- the one for Christmas starting on Tuesday- AND the one in January.

gov.ie - Budget 2024 (www.gov.ie)

apache

Well I'm on it about a year so I'm not entitled after paying taxes all my life?

hawthorne

The link says "12 months or more". There has to be a limit somewhere. Otherwise they could hand the dosh to everybody on SW- but someone has to pay the bill for that.....

I was a few times in the same situation as yourself. Always missed the bonus because I was not long enough unemployed or sick. But at least I had a job again or was healthy- which most of those folks who get the bonuses don't have or are.

TooTired123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121443575#Comment_121443575

Would you think about going for Invalidity Pension? You can try for it after 12 months on illness benefit if you think you’re unlikely to be fit for work for another 12 months.

BlueSkyDreams

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/111944469#Comment_111944469

You have to put the time in as an unemployed person in order to get your bonus for not working.

Its nuts when you think about it.

Dempo1

Just seeing this.

Last year & for the 1st time ever, those on illness benefit for 12 month or more got the Christmas bonus payment. I'd have to assume they'll get it this year 🤔

Prior to last year it was not paid to anyone on IB, regardless of how long you were on it

hawthorne

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121444717#Comment_121444717

Indeed- it was very unfair. There are people around who have been on IB for many years, getting no bonus at all- while someone on DA for the same lenght of time got it every year. As far as I know the minister for SW got many complains about this, pointing out the unfair treatment of the IB group. She finally saw the light....

Merry Christmas to all- and a Happy New Year. Enjoy your bonuses. 2024 seems to start very promising!

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121445568#Comment_121445568

The Max time IB Paid is 18 months I believe, I always felt it was unfair that those on IB didn't get the Christmas bonus or indeed any additional allowances albeit DSP Thinking, I guess is that it's meant to be a short term payment 😏

gipi

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121445809#Comment_121445809

Max is 2 years, for info.

Some people on IB may also be getting wages from work, and DSP wouldn't know that. It would appear very unfair if a person getting IB and wages got a bonus while some Jobseekers (for example) missed out.

I guess their current thinking is that people might not be getting wages after 12 months on IB, so a bonus is paid

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121445823#Comment_121445823

Fair points re wages & Illness benefit, hadn't thought of that

hawthorne

The maximum time for staying on IB is as long as you qualify for it under the current regulations. There are still people on IB since before 2009 because they still qualify under the old regulations. Until 2009 there was no time limit on the payment. All of those folks did not get a single cent until the minister had a bright moment last year....

apache

I see the living alone benefit was quite generous. €200 is a decent bonus.

Fair enough point on some people still getting some pay while on illness benefit. I actually believed I wasn't allowed to claim illness benefit while getting some pay. For a good few months I wasn't claiming it. Unfortunately I can't get it backdated. A couple of people here told me I was entitled to it but I didn't believe them.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121446222#Comment_121446222

I heard there was previously not time limit but now its two years seemingly. Those that where on illness benefit for years lost out on additional allowances & Christmas Bonus plus there was the hassle of submitting sick certs regularly.

hawthorne

Indeed- never any bonus, no fuel allowance, no gas or ESB units, no free travel or TV licence for those who are longterm on IB. Plus the weekly/monthly/half yearly cert to be posted after an exam by the GP. The cert thing changed two years ago- it is now done with a few mouse clicks after the exam by the GP.

Fair play to the minister to change at least the bonus regime. Hopefully the rest will follow.

apache

Just got a double payment. I didn't think I was on illness benefit a full year. Thought I'd be short a few weeks. But it got paid so good news.