Silverwings Benefits exists to help people get the support they’re entitled to. We’re an independent paid-for service, not the Department of Social Protection or any government body. You can apply for benefits yourself free of charge, or get help from Citizens Information.
Illness Benefit enquiry
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Everything about Illness Benefit
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What is IB?
What is Illness Benefit?
Last updated: April 2026 · Reviewed by: Silverwings Benefits Team · Source: Citizens Information / DSP
Illness Benefit is a weekly payment for people in Ireland who cannot work because of illness or injury, for generally no more than 2 years. It is based on your PRSI contribution record, rather than your income or savings, and a doctor must certify that you are unfit for work. It is taxable.
Five things worth knowing.
It’s based on your PRSI record
Whether you qualify depends on your PRSI contribution record, not your income or savings.
A doctor must certify you’re unfit for work
Your doctor needs to certify that you can’t work because of your illness or injury.
It’s generally paid for no more than 2 years
Illness Benefit is for when you can’t work because of illness or injury, generally for no more than 2 years.
It’s taxable
Illness Benefit counts as taxable income, unlike tax-free payments such as Disability Allowance.
Increases for dependants may be added
The weekly rates are before any increases for dependants.
Rates
Taxable, and based on your PRSI record.
Illness Benefit rates
Maximum personal rate
€13,208
per year, before any increases for dependants
€1,100.67 per month
€254 per week
Illness Benefit is taxable, and based on your PRSI contributions rather than your income or savings.
Your personal rate
- Highest rate
- €254
- Second-highest rate
- €198.90
- Third-highest rate
- €163.70
- Lowest rate
- €114
All amounts are per week. Your rate depends on your average weekly earnings in the relevant tax year, normally 2024 for a claim beginning in 2026.
Our fee
Pay in full, or spread it over 3 or 6 months.
20% + VAT of your first year’s award. Nothing if your claim doesn’t succeed.
- Your award, first year
- €13,208
- Our fee, 20% + VAT
- −€3,169.92
- You keep, first year
- €10,038.08
- You keep, second year (if you qualify for 2 years)
- All of it
An example on the maximum personal rate of €254 a week (€13,208 over 52 weeks). No upfront fee, and you can spread the cost over 3 or 6 months.
You don’t have to use us. You can apply yourself for free, or get free help from Citizens Information.
Our reviews
Real reviews, word for word.
From customers of our UK service. Taken from Trustpilot. The line in large type on each card is the reviewer’s own words too.
4.7 · See every review ↗“I heard within 6 weeks that I had been successful.”
A member of their team, Tony, called me and we completed my form. He was very patient, friendly and understanding.
Dee Brett · 8 June 2026 · Read it all ↗ “Sean helped my dad Azad with his application and was very patient and understanding.”
The process was smooth sailing, got the form filled and we are confident with what the process is now.
Verified Customer · 10 June 2026 · Read it all ↗ “…all sailed through with just over an hour phone call…”
Found silver wings by chance and thank the lucky stars we did. They explained the application in easy to comprehend terms…
Verified Customer · 11 May 2026 · Read it all ↗ “Without Tony’s reassurance and endeavour I’m not sure I would have managed the onerous task alone.”
My (many) questions were answered clearly and concisely and with unending patience.
David · 5 June 2026 · Read it all ↗
Your options
Nobody has to pay to claim what they’re entitled to.
You can claim Illness Benefit yourself, or get free help from Citizens Information. Paying us is one option of three.
Free
Claim yourself
Your GP sends your Certificate of Incapacity for Work to the Department electronically. Then claim on MyWelfare with a verified MyGovID, or on the IB1 paper form, which you can ask your GP for. Claim within 6 weeks of becoming ill. If you’re 66 or over, you must use the paper form. Your GP may charge for the examination; the certificate itself is free.
€0
Free
Free help
Citizens Information gives free, confidential help, including with application forms and appeals. Call 0818 07 4000, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm, or visit your local Citizens Information Centre.
€0
Only if you win
We do it with you
We’ll help you make your claim, and you’ll only pay if it succeeds. That’s €3,169.92 on the maximum personal rate of €254 a week (€13,208 over 52 weeks). Pay in full, or spread it over 3 or 6 months.
20%+ VAT of year one
How we work with you
Claiming yourself is always free, and always an option
You can claim Illness Benefit yourself, online on MyWelfare or on the IB1 form, and Citizens Information can help for free. Our Irish service is launching soon: if you’d rather have someone experienced help you with your claim, register your interest and we’ll be in touch the moment it’s ready.
We’ll take the time to understand your situation
Just as we do for our UK clients today, we’ll help you set out the evidence clearly, so the Department of Social Protection has what it needs to make a fair decision the first time.
You’ll only pay if the application succeeds
There’ll be no upfront cost. If you choose to use our paid support and the application is successful, our fee will be 20% + VAT of your first year’s award, with a 3 or 6-month payment plan available if that’s easier.
Silverwings Lifetime Claim
One fee. Support for a lifetime. Our support doesn’t end when your benefit award does. If you receive a fixed-term award, we’ll help you renew or reapply for the same benefit when it’s due to end, at no additional charge.
Questions
Illness Benefit: frequently asked questions
How many PRSI contributions do I need?
At least 104 weeks of class A, E, H or P PRSI paid since you started work. You also need either 39 weeks paid or credited in the relevant tax year (13 of them paid), or 26 weeks paid in that year and 26 in the year before. For a claim made in 2026, the relevant tax year is 2024.
Is there a waiting period?
Yes. You won’t get Illness Benefit for the first 3 days you’re off sick. Sundays don’t count as waiting days.
How long can I get it?
Up to 2 years if you’ve paid at least 260 weeks of PRSI, or up to 1 year if you’ve paid between 104 and 259 weeks. A new claim within 26 weeks of your last one counts as the same claim.
Can I get it if my employer pays me sick pay?
Claim either way. Illness Benefit isn’t linked to your employer’s sick pay policy, but you can’t get it on days you’re paid Statutory Sick Pay.
What if I’m refused?
You can ask for the decision to be reviewed at any time, or appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within 60 days of the date on your decision letter. Neither costs anything.