When you’re unwell and unable to work, knowing your rights can make the situation much less stressful.
In Ireland, two of the things that matter most when taking sick leave are your PRSI contributions and your sick cert (sick note).
Understanding how PRSI Ireland rules and sick cert Ireland requirements helps you access the right support when you’re unwell.
Both play very different roles. Your sick cert proves that you’re medically unfit for work while your PRSI contributions affect whether you can qualify for Illness Benefit from the state.
This guide breaks everything down simply and clearly, with trusted Irish references to help you understand your entitlements.
Quick Summary
- PRSI determines if you qualify for Illness Benefit
- Sick cert proves you’re medically unfit for work
- SSP requires a sick cert from day one of your illness
- Illness Benefit requires weekly or digital certs
- PRSI classes and contributions determine eligibility
What Is PRSI?
PRSI (Pay Related Social Insurance) is a mandatory contribution deducted from your wages. These contributions allow you to access important social welfare benefits including:
- Illness Benefit
- Jobseeker’s Benefit
- Maternity / Paternity Benefit
- Treatment Benefit
- State Pension
Citizensinformation.ie explains that social insurance (PRSI) is money paid into the Social Insurance Fund, which the Government uses to fund social welfare benefits and pensions.
Who Pays PRSI?
Most employees aged 16 and over pay PRSI. The amount you contribute is linked to your income and the type of work you do, which is why it’s called Pay Related Social Insurance.
Your employer deducts the PRSI contributions from your pay. They also pay an “employer PRSI contribution” for employees aged 16 and over.
You can see the PRSI contribution details on your payslip.
Self-employed people also pay PRSI under Class S.
PRSI Rate Increase
On 1 October 2025, PRSI rates increased by 0.1%.
You can check the updated rates in the Department of Social Protection’s 2025 Contribution Rates and PRSI User Guide (PDF).
What is a Sick Cert?
A sick cert (medical certificate) is a document issued by a registered doctor, confirming that you’re unfit to work.
Employers usually require a sick cert after 2-3 days, depending on the company’s policy. However, a sick cert must be from day one of illness.
Learn more about sick notes and workplace policies.
The Department of Social Protection (DSP) requires a sick cert for Illness Benefit claims.
GPs can now send digital medical certificates (e-cert) directly to the DSP.
How PRSI Affects Your Sick Leave Entitlements
Statutory Sick Pay (Employer)
Ireland introduced statutory sick pay (SSP) via Sick Leave Act 2022.
Under Statutory Sick Pay Ireland, employees in 2025 are entitled to:
- 5 paid sick days per calendar year
- 70% of usual daily earnings
- Capped at €110 per day
For certified sick leave, a sick cert is required from day one of illness.
For uncertified sick leave in Ireland, you don’t need to provide a sick cert.
Illness Benefit (PRSI-Based Sick Pay)
To qualify for Illness Benefit from the state, your entitlement depends on meeting specific Illness Benefit PRSI requirements set by the Department of Social Protection.
You must have:
- A valid sick cert from a GP
- Enough Class A PRSI contributions (Learn more about PRSI classes)
It’s important to note that Class S contributions do not count for Illness Benefit. Only Class A, E, H, or P contributions qualify.
The Department of Social Protection (DSP) outlines the PRSI contribution conditions.
You must have:
At least 104 Class A, E, H or P PRSI contributions paid since you first started work. Only PRSI contributions paid at these classes count for Illness Benefit.
You must also meet either Condition 1 or Condition 2:
Condition 1
You must have 39 weeks of PRSI contributions paid or credited in the relevant tax year, of which 13 must be paid contributions.
If you do not have 13 paid contributions in the relevant tax year, then 13 paid contributions in one of the following tax years can be used instead:
- Either of the two tax years before the relevant tax year
- The last complete tax year (before the year in which your claim for Illness Benefit begins)
- The current tax year
Or
Condition 2
You must have 26 weeks of PRSI contributions paid in the relevant tax year and 26 weeks of PRSI contributions paid in the tax year immediately before the relevant tax year.
The “relevant tax year” is the second-last complete tax year before the year you apply for Illness Benefit.
Example: If you claim in 2024, the relevant tax year is 2022.
What if You’re Self-Employed (Class S PRSI)?
If you’re self-employed in Ireland and paying Class S PRSI, you’re not eligible for Illness Benefit, as it only applies to Class A, E, H, and P contributions.
However, you may still qualify for other supports like Supplementary Welfare Allowance or Disability Allowance, if you’re unable to work due to illness.
When Do You Need a Sick Cert?
For Statutory Sick Pay:
Under Irish law, a sick cert is required from the first day of illness.
For Illness Benefit:
You must submit:
- Weekly GP certificates
Or
- A multi-week digital certificate through the DSP e-cert system
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get a sick note online in Ireland.
How to Claim Illness Benefit (Using PRSI and Sick Cert)
To claim Illness Benefit:
1. Get a Sick Cert From Your GP
Your GP will examine you and issue a medical certificate stating you’re unfit to work.
2. Apply For Illness Benefit
You can apply online through Illness Benefit applications on the official MyWelfare.ie portal.
3. Check Your PRSI Record
You can see your contribution history online at MyWelfare Contribution Statement.
4. Submit Follow-Up Certs
Your GP must continue your sick cert weekly unless they give you a long-term sick cert.
How Long Can You Get Illness Benefit?
If you have between 104 and 259 paid PRSI contributions, you can get Illness Benefit for up to 52 weeks (312 payment days).
If you have 260+ paid PRSI contributions, you can get Illness Benefit for up to 2 years (624 payment days).
If You Don’t Have Enough PRSI
In case you don’t have enough PRSI contributions, you may still qualify for:
- Supplementary Welfare Allowance
- Employer’s Enhanced Sick Pay Scheme
- Paid / Unpaid Leave Based on Contract
- Disability or Long-Term Illness Supports (Learn more about long-term sick leave in Ireland)
Knowing how PRSI Ireland works and understanding when you need a sick cert in Ireland helps you access Statutory Sick Pay or Illness Benefit with confidence.
