You may qualify for Illness Benefit from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) if you cannot work because you are sick or ill. Your application must include a medical certificate called a ‘Certificate of Incapacity for Work’ which you request from your GP. Your GP will complete the certificate and can submit it electronically through a secure online system. 

To apply for Illness Benefit online click here.

Your employer may require you to provide a separate medical certificate (‘sick note/work cert’ from your GP) when you are on sick leave. For example, you may have to provide a medical certificate if you are out sick for more than 2 or 3 consecutive days.

Please note that you must see a GP to receive your initial illness benefit certificate or medical certificate.