I would like to find out what is the standard procedure for applying for sick benefits and what is my entitlement as a PRSI and PAYE employee?

Employers in Ireland are not required to pay sick pay, but most do so for a limited period. Employees may apply to the Department of Social Protection for Illness Benefit within 7 days of becoming ill. To qualify for Illness Benefit, an employee must have:

* at least 104 weeks’ PRSI paid contributions since he/she first started work;

and

* have 39 weeks PRSI paid or credited contributions in the relevant tax year (a minimum of 13 weeks must be paid contributions)

Or

* 26 weeks PRSI paid contributions in the relevant tax year and 26 weeks PRSI paid contributions in the tax year immediately before the relevant tax year.

Further rules apply if the employee does not have 13 paid contributions