Statutory Sick Pay: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn if you are eligible for paid sick leave and what you need to provide to receive your statutory sick pay in Ireland.
Statutory Sick Pay is a legal requirement in Ireland designed to provide employees with financial support through paid leave when they are unable to work due to illness.
Who it's for
To qualify for this scheme, you must be an employee who has completed at least 13 weeks of continuous service with your current employer. This period of service ensures that the benefit is available to established workers rather than those in the very first weeks of their employment.
What you get
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you are entitled to paid sick leave for up to 5 days per year. This provides a small financial buffer to help cover your costs while you are recovering and unable to earn your usual wages.
What it costs you
While there is no direct fee to access this scheme, there is a requirement regarding your time and documentation. You must obtain and provide a medical certificate to your employer to justify your absence and qualify for the paid leave.
The catch to know
It is important to understand that this scheme represents the legal minimum standard for sick pay. While it ensures a baseline level of protection, some employers may choose to provide their own private schemes that offer better benefits, such as more days or higher pay, than what is required by this statutory minimum.
How to apply
- Contact your employer as soon as you realize you are too unwell to attend your shift.
- Visit a medical professional to discuss your illness and obtain a formal medical certificate.
- Present the medical certificate to your employer to satisfy the requirements for your paid sick leave.