Unpaid leave and social welfare entitlements

Physeter wrote: »

I have been offered a leave of absence from work in order to address some personal matters at home (unpaid leave). Would I be entitled to any sort of welfare assistance as a single person with no dependents while on leave?

Honestly, this would be a tricky scenario, voluntary un paid leave is a personal choice, not a forced lay off from employment, in essence to qualify for a jobseekers style payment you have to be fully unemployed or temporarily laid off from employment. I'm not aware of any benefit that would cover situation you describe.

I appreciate your leave is to deal with personal matters, however if it was for medical reasons, subject to a cert from your GP and PRSI contributions, illness benefit may be an option. But I stress you must must be unable to work due to a defined illness. You can look up illness benifit below, good luck

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

Physeter wrote: »

Thanks for the informative replies. Upended by the fallout of the combined death of my parents due to covid infection. Extraordinary circumstances that don't seem to be facilitated by the state at this time. I've never availed of social welfare and thankfully my job has been very keen to go out of their way to provide assistance. I'll check in with my GP for further counsel.

These are indeed extraordinary and very sad circumstances and I am sorry for your losses. At a minimum I would be speaking to your GP whom I'm sure knows the detail's and explore claiming illness benefit based on the stress of what you have been through. The social worker may also be of assistance. Truely tragic events which highlight the awful 14 months so many people have. Please take care.