Enhanced illness benefit

Acey10 · 22-09-2020 5:53pm #1

Hi,
I hope someone can help please. I developed a very bad cold on Saturday, with a bit of a sore throat. I rang the doctor who said to self isolate until Wednesday so I missed 3 days wages.

I applied for the enhanced illness benefit hoping to get some thing back for the three days.

Has anyone any knowledge or experience with this?

Thank you

Dempo1 · 22-09-2020 6:12pm

Acey10 wrote: »

Hi,
I hope someone can help please. I developed a very bad cold on Saturday, with a bit of a sore throat. I rang the doctor who said to self isolate until Wednesday so I missed 3 days wages.

I applied for the enhanced illness benefit hoping to get some thing back for the three days.

Has anyone any knowledge or experience with this?

Thank you

I'm afraid a doctor telling you to self isolate is not enough. The process in getting enhanced illness benefit requires a specific incapacity to work medical certificate, which GPs are increasingly reluctant to issue unless a patient is sent for a Covid-19 test and dependant on that result.

You don't mention if GP even considered a test or indeed if a cert was issued. I presume if you applied for the enhanced illness benefit you would have seen the requirement to upload the medical cert??? or if doing it via post, the requirement to attach medical cert?

This benifit is not for temporary illness

SourSessions · 22-09-2020 6:17pm

No personal experience but as long as you have the certificate from your doctor, I can't see an issue

Dempo1 · 22-09-2020 6:23pm

SourSessions wrote: »

No personal experience but as long as you have the certificate from your doctor, I can't see an issue

I'm just concerned for the OP that their GP only advising 3 day isolation (not the norm in a covid concern, no mention of a medical cert or a test, based on OP"s info, this may not be enough to be approved for the Enhanced illness benefit.

Acey10 · 22-09-2020 6:35pm

thanks for the replies, yes i got a cert saying to self isolate until Wednesday, there was no option to upload it when applying so i emalied it to them.
i suppose ill have to wait and see, thanks again.

Dempo1 · 22-09-2020 6:37pm

Acey10 wrote: »

thanks for the replies, yes i got a cert saying to self isolate until Wednesday, there was no option to upload it when applying so i emalied it to them.
i suppose ill have to wait and see, thanks again.

Once you have the cert you'll be fine then, that's the most important thing. Just surprised GP not advising test but hopefully that's a good thing. Good luck

tiredblondie · 29-09-2020 12:49pm

I was coming on here to ask the same question - had a headcold last week, followed the guidelines and rang my GP, tested and cleared but 2 days off work and my wages was deducted - i'm actually quite annoyed over it to be honest, i thought i was doing the right thing by the people i work with which includes my manager who processes payroll!
I won't be doing it again, if they are uncomfortable being around me when i have a cold, they may leave the office instead!
I don't have the option to work from home as they don't have the set up for us to do that (even though the job could be done from home!)

Dempo1 · 29-09-2020 1:04pm

tiredblondie wrote: »

I was coming on here to ask the same question - had a headcold last week, followed the guidelines and rang my GP, tested and cleared but 2 days off work and my wages was deducted - i'm actually quite annoyed over it to be honest, i thought i was doing the right thing by the people i work with which includes my manager who processes payroll!
I won't be doing it again, if they are uncomfortable being around me when i have a cold, they may leave the office instead!
I don't have the option to work from home as they don't have the set up for us to do that (even though the job could be done from home!)

Quite annoying they docked you 2 days pay, actually pathetic, given in a normal circumstance your not required to present a normal sick cert for first 3 days. It's a sad d reality but it goes to show if your advised under any circumstances to self isolate or get a test, request an incapacity sick cert from GP immediately and apply for enhanced sickness benefit, it's terrible to be advising this but if employers are going to act the maggot, employees have to look after their interests & well being first. I emphasise GET THE Cert, no applications will be processed without it.

tiredblondie · 29-09-2020 1:06pm

Dempo1 wrote: »

Quite annoying they docked you 2 days pay, actually pathetic, given in a normal circumstance your not required to present a normal sick cert for first 3 days. It's a sad d reality but it goes to show if your advised under any circumstances to self isolate or get a test, request an incapacity sick cert from GP immediately and apply for enhanced sickness benefit, it's terrible to be advising this but if employers are going to act the maggot, employees have to look after their interests & well being first. I emphasise GET THE Cert, no applications will be processed without it.

I've been onto my GP to get the cert to cover it - i didn't do it last week as i presumed that by following guidelines and protecting THEM, that i would be paid!
I've never been one to take the mickey, i wouldn't normally even dream of taking time off for a cold but hey ho, lesson learned!
I will be letting them know how i feel though, whether it gets me anywhere or not who knows but no point in complaining about it then saying nothing!

Dempo1 · 29-09-2020 1:26pm

tiredblondie wrote: »

I've been onto my GP to get the cert to cover it - i didn't do it last week as i presumed that by following guidelines and protecting THEM, that i would be paid!
I've never been one to take the mickey, i wouldn't normally even dream of taking time off for a cold but hey ho, lesson learned!
I will be letting them know how i feel though, whether it gets me anywhere or not who knows but no point in complaining about it then saying nothing!

The question though, is too late or does the enhanced illness benefit cover temporary sick leave, I really don't think it does, the idea behind it, was initially to cover those who either had to self isolate, get a test etc, the self isolating rules cover two weeks. To be honest I'd contact SW to clarify. Your GP perhaps should have advised self isolating from the start, I'd be surprised if SW will approve after the fact if you get my meaning.

tiredblondie · 29-09-2020 1:43pm

Dempo1 wrote: »

The question though, is too late or does the enhanced illness benefit cover temporary sick leave, I really don't think it does, the idea behind it, was initially to cover those who either had to self isolate, get a test etc, the self isolating rules cover two weeks. To be honest I'd contact SW to clarify. Your GP perhaps should have advised self isolating from the start, I'd be surprised if SW will approve after the fact if you get my meaning.

I think i read somewhere (and i hope i am right with this!), that you must claim within 6 weeks of being unwell?

Dempo1 · 29-09-2020 1:59pm

tiredblondie wrote: »

I think i read somewhere (and i hope i am right with this!), that you must claim within 6 weeks of being unwell?

I'm not sure, the payment I presume would need to be applied for immediately, the reason being its not paid if your working, I'd imagine you'd be given some time assuming your still off but not 6 weeks or if you've returned to work. More details here but I'd be concerned about the 6 weeks assumption?

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/disability_and_illness/covid19_enhanced_illness_benefit.html

tiredblondie · 29-09-2020 1:59pm

According to this, i don't actually need a cert from the GP - once i have the text from the HSE i can use that!
I have the text with my appointment date and time and the text from the HSE showing the test was negative!

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/disability_and_illness/covid19_enhanced_illness_benefit.html#l1f4da

Dempo1 · 29-09-2020 2:00pm

tiredblondie wrote: »

According to this, i don't actually need a cert from the GP - once i have the text from the HSE i can use that!
I have the text with my appointment date and time and the text from the HSE showing the test was negative!

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/disability_and_illness/covid19_enhanced_illness_benefit.html#l1f4da

Yes apologies, that text, communication addition was brought in late August, sorry, forget about that

tiredblondie · 29-09-2020 2:02pm

Dempo1 wrote: »

Yes apologies, that text, communication addition was brought in late August, sorry, forget about that

To be fair, nothing is made easy!!

tiredblondie · 29-09-2020 2:02pm

I'll speak to my employer tomorrow in relation to it and if i get nowhere, i'll apply for the enhanced illness benefit then.
Still think it's very unfair to follow the guidelines and be punished for it!

Dempo1 · 29-09-2020 2:03pm

tiredblondie wrote: »

To be fair, nothing is made easy!!

I'd still prefer cert to be honest, just a humble opinion.

tiredblondie · 29-09-2020 2:03pm

Dempo1 wrote: »

I'd still prefer cert to be honest, just a humble opinion.

Oh i have contacted my GP for it, waiting on them to come back to me - but at least it does say i don't actually need it!

tiredblondie · 29-09-2020 2:47pm

Actually, another question which someone may or may not know the answer to.

If i apply for enhanced illness benefit x 2 days, and the payment goes direct to me, does this then affect my wages going forward?
What i mean is, will i pay tax on the 2 days benefit and this be paid by reducing my tax credits in work?

Dempo1 · 29-09-2020 2:58pm

tiredblondie wrote: »

Actually, another question which someone may or may not know the answer to.

If i apply for enhanced illness benefit x 2 days, and the payment goes direct to me, does this then affect my wages going forward?
What i mean is, will i pay tax on the 2 days benefit and this be paid by reducing my tax credits in work?

Firstly you need to find out if you can apply for just two days, I'm not sure this is how this benefit works, secondly whilst PUP is taxable, I've not heard anyth about if this benefit is and it's a question for SW/Revenue, if it is, I doubt very much it would make the slightest difference. PUP & TWSS recipients won't actually find out tax liability until Jan next

tiredblondie · 29-09-2020 9:55pm

My gp came back to day yes, I can claim for the 2 days and they'll send the form electronically

mum37 · 01-10-2020 6:01pm

Does anyone know how long it takes for enhanced illness benefit to come through, is it quick or will u be waiting? Am self isolating due to my child contracting virus! Have uploaded hse info to the section but no txt or email back? Thank you

mum37 · 04-10-2020 3:24pm

Anybody get enhanced illness benefit lately is it taking long?

Acey10 · 05-10-2020 1:28pm

Hi, im the original poster, im still waiting...

Has anyone else got theirs yet??

tiredblondie · 05-10-2020 2:06pm

Hi
I applied Thursday morning and money was in my account Saturday morning (pending transaction so technically went in today!)
I didn't get any notification or anything from them.
For 2 days I got €116.67

Dempo1 · 05-10-2020 2:15pm

tiredblondie wrote: »

Hi
I applied Thursday morning and money was in my account Saturday morning (pending transaction so technically went in today!)
I didn't get any notification or anything from them.
For 2 days I got €116.67

Good stuff, glad it sorted itself out and helpful to know the payment is there for those losing a few days

tiredblondie · 05-10-2020 2:18pm

Dempo1 wrote: »

Good stuff, glad it sorted itself out and helpful to know the payment is there for those losing a few days

Yeah, nice and quick thankfully!

Still annoyed over the work situation though, was basically told that I was wrong to take my colleagues welfare into account before taking time off and the reason I should have got tested was cuz government says I have to ðŸ€”ðŸ˜’

Dempo1 · 05-10-2020 2:21pm

tiredblondie wrote: »

Yeah, nice and quick thankfully!

Still annoyed over the work situation though, was basically told that I was wrong to take my colleagues welfare into account before taking time off and the reason I should have got tested was cuz government says I have to ðŸ€”ðŸ˜’

Today's possible level 5 restrictions might be a wake up call I fear and its clear not enough people actually taking the advice given.

tiredblondie · 05-10-2020 2:23pm

Dempo1 wrote: »

Today's possible level 5 restrictions might be a wake up call I fear and its clear not enough people actually taking the advice given.

I really really hope it doesn't happen ðŸ˜Ÿ
Won't make any odds for me though, we never closed up last time so doubt we will this time either

rinleezz · 07-10-2020 1:28pm

I rang my GP last Wednesday morning after getting sent home from work on Tuesday night. They booked a test for me and didn't mention self-isolation, but that's understood according to HSE guidelines - you are getting a test, you're self-isolating. I lost 3 days of work and as per the company sick scheme, there are 3 waiting days that are not paid. I'm wondering now, should the GP have issued me a cert and do I qualify to get anything back?

Dempo1 · 07-10-2020 1:35pm

rinleezz wrote: »

I rang my GP last Wednesday morning after getting sent home from work on Tuesday night. They booked a test for me and didn't mention self-isolation, but that's understood according to HSE guidelines - you are getting a test, you're self-isolating. I lost 3 days of work and as per the company sick scheme, there are 3 waiting days that are not paid. I'm wondering now, should the GP have issued me a cert and do I qualify to get anything back?

Please look at previous posts re this particular issue. In essence yes, you can claim enhanced illness benefit for days lost., you need some sort of confirmation of test being requested, self isolation request etc, either a text communication or Cert form your GP. Also take a look at guidelines on this benefit on the SW website.

Best & quickest way to apply is via mywelfare portal

rinleezz · 07-10-2020 2:13pm

Dempo1 wrote: »

Please look at previous posts re this particular issue. In essence yes, you can claim enhanced illness benefit for days lost., you need some sort of confirmation of test being requested, self isolation request etc, either a text communication or Cert form your GP. Also take a look at guidelines on this benefit on the SW website.

Best & quickest way to apply is via mywelfare portal

Thanks and sorry, have not had my coffee yet.

I filed for the three days of work I lost and I emailed them screenshots of the test texts I got, which clearly show that I've had to self-isolate since Wednesday all the way to Friday. Fingers crossed.

Dempo1 · 07-10-2020 2:16pm

rinleezz wrote: »

Thanks and sorry, have not had my coffee yet.

I filed for the three days of work I lost and I emailed them screenshots of the test texts I got, which clearly show that I've had to self-isolate since Wednesday all the way to Friday. Fingers crossed.

You'll be fine based on others experience, good luck

mum37 · 11-10-2020 2:29pm

Got all sorted this week, thanks so much for the updates😀

Dempo1 · 11-10-2020 2:39pm

mum37 wrote: »

Got all sorted this week, thanks so much for the updatesðŸ˜€

Excellent

Phenom80 · 12-10-2020 3:37pm

Dempo1 wrote: »

Excellent

Quick question, I was out Tues, wed and Thurs last week and I applied for enhanced illness benefit. Got €200 sat morning in bank.It state's on the site that it's €350 a week, if you are absent for that reason for a week does it top up your wages or do you only get €350 that week and same if its two weeks €700?

Dempo1 · 12-10-2020 3:47pm

Phenom80 wrote: »

Quick question, I was out Tues, wed and Thurs last week and I applied for enhanced illness benefit. Got €200 sat morning in bank.It state's on the site that it's €350 a week, if you are absent for that reason for a week does it top up your wages or do you only get €350 that week and same if its two weeks €700?

The payment has nothing to do with your wages as such, the original maximum payment for this benefit is €350 per week but that's assuming your on it for a defined period, 14 days & more etc.

Recently they included those who've lost a few days due to testing and GP advice to self isolate etc. So your likely getting a daily rate if this makes sense. This said I'm not sure how 3 days equated to €200 you got. It's still higher than normal sick benefit and indeed those on shorten hours claiming lost days.

Missladycakes · 08-01-2021 4:47pm

Hi,

I know this thread is a tad old. Hubby applied for enhanced illness benefit online as was told to isolate for two weeks due to close contact. The Doctor confirmed medical certificate was sent electronically. He was to isolate from 23rd December, cert said from 26th Dec for two weeks. Still no payment but when he logged in it said payment 116.67 and not 350 and it was dated 02 Jan to 08 Jan.
Googled it to death but can't find any reason why he got a reduced rate. Any ideas? He tried calling but no hope of getting a person online. Email was sent but they don't reply to that either.
He is a school bus driver and now won't have any work until February. I'm disabled. Does he apply now for PUP or would that affect the chance of getting the 350 next week? If they made a payment to him relevant to the two weeks of isolating then I would know better but it doesn't correspond. I know you can't get both payments, which makes sense. It's so confusing.

APPLICATION DEC 29th
AWARDED 116.67 DATED 02 JAN to 08 Jan (no actual payment received, found this info on mywelfare.ie)

Dempo1 · 08-01-2021 5:00pm

Missladycakes wrote: »

Hi,

I know this thread is a tad old. Hubby applied for enhanced illness benefit online as was told to isolate for two weeks due to close contact. The Doctor confirmed medical certificate was sent electronically. He was to isolate from 23rd December, cert said from 26th Dec for two weeks. Still no payment but when he logged in it said payment 116.67 and not 350 and it was dated 02 Jan to 08 Jan.
Googled it to death but can't find any reason why he got a reduced rate. Any ideas? He tried calling but no hope of getting a person online. Email was sent but they don't reply to that either.
He is a school bus driver and now won't have any work until February. I'm disabled. Does he apply now for PUP or would that affect the chance of getting the 350 next week? If they made a payment to him relevant to the two weeks of isolating then I would know better but it doesn't correspond. I know you can't get both payments, which makes sense. It's so confusing.

APPLICATION DEC 29th
AWARDED 116.67 DATED 02 JAN to 08 Jan (no actual payment received, found this info on mywelfare.ie)

Seems very odd, there's no reduced rate as such, at a guess they appear to have paid him for a few days rather than full week. Also the fact he now needs to claim PUP is going to complicate things as both benifits are not paid at the same time.

To be honest, I think he needs to call them, I believe he will get the €350 next week but he'll need to clarify first amount and why its not been received ( hopefully correct bank info was submitted) and secondly enquire if and when he can claim PUP, I believe it would be when enhanced illness benefit ends.

Missladycakes · 08-01-2021 7:04pm

Hi

Thanks for the reply. Definitely, correct bank information went in. It would seem unfair to wait until the second payment before applying for PUP as they got the dates incorrect and not my husband.
He has called but no answer and the email went without a reply. As for the payment of a few days, I don't think so. As it still doesn't make sense the amount paid. It's a tough time as it is and this really isn't helping. Mortgage due Monday and we will be skint.
Hopefully will know more next week but he will be applying for PUP come Monday as we can't afford any more delays.

Dempo1 · 08-01-2021 7:13pm

Missladycakes wrote: »

Hi

Thanks for the reply. Definitely, correct bank information went in. It would seem unfair to wait until the second payment before applying for PUP as they got the dates incorrect and not my husband.
He has called but no answer and the email went without a reply. As for the payment of a few days, I don't think so. As it still doesn't make sense the amount paid. It's a tough time as it is and this really isn't helping. Mortgage due Monday and we will be skint.
Hopefully will know more next week but he will be applying for PUP come Monday as we can't afford any more delays.

Yes, I hear you and its a very tough time. I've been on many pandemic related threads over the past year and I've never seen a part enhanced illness payment and whilst frustrating, hubby really needs to get in touch with SW to get clarification. Unfortunately the dates issue is a challenge as they seem to be going by dates doctor submitted rather than date advises to isolate, only an email or communication from GP might resolve this.

Re PUP, I'm just advising caution because you can't be on both and if your hubby puts an application in it may be declined. Your husband in a really complicated situation and this is why clarity needed before proceeding. I would at least wait until Tuesday to see if his illness benefit comes true. PUP if applied for ( and assuming approoved) on Tuesday /Wednesday will be included for payment the following Tuesday.

Missladycakes · 08-01-2021 7:26pm

Hi,

Even if they went with Doctors dates which are fine, they are off a whole week. Docs letter is 26th December a Saturday. So technically the first payment would have been 29th to the 1st. Then 2nd to 8th would have been the second week.

It's annoying as I know so many people making money on PUP. One who worked PT went on PUP and received the full amount of 350. They then returned to work again PT, stayed on PUP. The second job closed down and they continued on PUP full amount. I dunno it just feels unfair at the minute.

Dempo1 · 08-01-2021 7:33pm

Missladycakes wrote: »

Hi,

Even if they went with Doctors dates which are fine, they are off a whole week. Docs letter is 26th December a Saturday. So technically the first payment would have been 29th to the 1st. Then 2nd to 8th would have been the second week.

It's annoying as I know so many people making money on PUP. One who worked PT went on PUP and received the full amount of 350. They then returned to work again PT, stayed on PUP. The second job closed down and they continued on PUP full amount. I dunno it just feels unfair at the minute.

I agree, there's definitely an issue with dates but I'm sure this can be resolved.

I get your frustration re people taking the mick re PUP but I think it's very few, if the person you referred to was earning taxable income, their in for a shock, sooner than later as revenue share data with SW.

Hopefully your hubby will get sorted, just as a thought, if you had a way to contact your TD, they will contact department on hubby's behalf and speed up a resolution. Good luck either way

Enhanced illness benefit

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