Here's how Irish workers can claim up to €770 in sick pay - your questions answered
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is increasing by up to €220 within the next few months
All Irish workers will be entitled to claim up to €770 in sick pay within a few months.
Workers across the country are entitled to 5 days of statutory sick pay (the legal minimum) per year as of January 1, 2024, with employers required to pay 70% of normal pay up to a maximum of €110 a day.
It's part of the Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) scheme as per the Sick Leave Act 2022.
Am I eligible?
Under the scheme, recipients must be an employee working at least 13 weeks with the employer and be certified as unable to work by a GP before statutory sick pay can be accessed.
Sick pay under the scheme can also be accessed by apprentices, part-time workers, agency workers, workers on probation, and those undergoing training, as well as full-time employees.
How many days does it cover?
The scheme is being implemented on a phased basis, from an entitlement of three days of pay in 2023, to five in 2024, and seven from January 1, 2025.
A maximum of ten days will be covered in 2026.
What if my employer offers sick pay leave as well?
An employer may offer more generous sick pay arrangements under its own scheme.
If so, sick leave will be dealt with under that scheme, which must be more favourable than the statutory scheme.
Does it affect annual leave?
If a person is unwell during annual leave and a medical certificate is acquired for those days, they will not be counted as annual leave days.
Those on long-term sick leave who cannot take annual leave due to illness can carry it over for up to 15 months after the end of the year.
What if my employer won't pay?
If sick pay is not paid by the employer, the issue should be resolved informally in-house first.
However, if the issue cannot be directly resolved with the employer, a formal complaint can be made to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
More information on the SSP is available on the Citizens Information website.