SSP Scheme Commences January 2023 (Republic of Ireland)

The entitlement to sick pay in Ireland starts on 1 January 2023. This means that for the first time, workers will be entitled to sick leave paid by their employer in addition to illness benefit from the State.

From this date workers will have a right to:

1. Paid sick leave for up to 3 sick days per year. This will increase to 5 days in 2024, 7 days in 2025 and 10 days in 2026.
2. A rate of payment for statutory sick leave of 70% of normal wages to be paid by employers (up to a maximum €110 per day).
3. Take a complaint to the WRC where they are not provided with a company sick pay scheme.

To be entitled to paid sick leave under the new scheme, workers must be working for their employer for at least 13 weeks. They will also need to be certified by a GP as unfit to work.

If workers cannot work because they are sick or injured, and they have enough PRSI contributions, they can apply to the Department of Social Protection (DSP) for a payment called Illness Benefit. Illness Benefit is available from the Department of Social Protection from day 4 and for up to two years.