Becoming ill while self-employed

If you are self-employed and become ill and unable to work you are generally not entitled to any social insurance-based payments such as Illness Benefit and Invalidity Pension unless you have paid the appropriate PRSI contributions (generally at Class A). Self-employed people pay PRSI contributions at Class S.

This means that you will have to apply for a means-tested social assistance payment (such as Disability Allowance or Supplementary Welfare Allowance).

In general to qualify for a social welfare payment because you are sick or have a disability you must be certified as sick or disabled by a doctor.

Short-term illness

If you are sick and do not qualify for any other payment you may be eligible for Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA). You can work for up to 30 hours a week in insurable employment and still qualify for SWA.

If you are self-employed there is no limit to the number of hours you work in your business but your overall income must be below the limit for SWA. The means test looks at gross income less PRSI and reasonable travel expenses and other necessary expenses.

Long-term illness or disability

If you expect your sickness or disability to last for at least one year and are aged between 16 and 65 you can apply for a means-tested Disability Allowance. You must be habitually resident in Ireland and pass a means test to qualify.

Blind Pension is also a long-term social assistance payment. If you are blind or have low vision and you are getting Blind Pension or Disability Allowance you may also qualify for Blind Welfare Allowance.

There is also the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme which only applies to work related injuries and diseases. If you are injured at work (or traveling directly to or from it) or have contracted a disease due to the type of work you do you may qualify for benefits under this scheme.

If someone is providing you with full-time care they may qualify for a carer's payment.

Help with medical costs

You could be eligible for a medical card or a GP Visit Card. Medical cards entitle you to a range of free health services including doctor visits, medication, in-patient and out-patient hospital care. GP Visit Cards allow individuals and families who qualify to visit their family doctor for free.

You could also be eligible for the Long Term Illness Scheme. This enables people suffering from certain conditions to get free drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances for the treatment of that condition.

You can get help with medicine costs under the Drugs Payment Scheme. This Scheme is aimed at people who don't have a medical card. You can also avail of the Scheme if you have a GP Visit Card. You do not have to pay more than €120 a month for prescription medicines under the Scheme.

If you pay medical expenses that are not covered by the State or by private health insurance, you may claim tax relief on some of those expenses.

Find out more about health services for people with disabilities.

Other payments for people with disabilities

If you are getting a social welfare payment you may qualify for additional financial support because of your illness or disability.

For example, you can apply for Diet and Heating Supplements under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme if you require a special diet for your medical condition or you have exceptional heating expenses.

Mobility Allowance is a means-tested monthly payment from the Health Service Executive for people aged 16-65 with severe disabilities who are unable to walk and would benefit from a change of surroundings. Apply to your Local Health Office in the Health Service Executive.

There are concessions for disabled drivers and passengers and local authority grants to adapt your home. There are also tax benefits available to people that are sick or have a disability.