Sick Days Ireland 2026: How Many Days & How to Claim

Few things cause more confusion than figuring out exactly how many sick days you’re entitled to in Ireland. Between government delays, changing rates, and the difference between employer-paid statutory sick leave (SSP) and state Illness Benefit, it’s easy to feel lost. For 2026, the statutory leave stands at 7 days per year after the government abandoned an earlier plan to push it to 10. This guide breaks down the daily pay rate, certification rules, and the step-by-step claim process so you know exactly where you stand.

Statutory sick leave days in Ireland 2026: 7 days per year ·
SSP payment rate: 70% of daily pay, up to €110 per day ·
Illness Benefit weekly rate 2026: €225 ·
Uncertified sick days allowed: 2 consecutive days (self‑certification) ·
Service requirement for SSP: 13+ weeks continuous employment ·
Planned extension to 10 days: Abandoned April 2025

The pattern here is clear: the statutory floor has increased but remains below the EU average, and the abandoned extension signals caution from policymakers.

How many sick days per year in Ireland?

Statutory sick leave entitlement for 2026

Employees with at least 13 weeks of continuous service are entitled to 7 statutory sick leave days per calendar year (1 January to 31 December). The sick pay year resets annually, and days can be taken consecutively or non‑consecutively (FSSU – school payroll guidance).

Statutory sick pay (SSP) is paid by your employer at 70% of your normal daily wage, capped at €110 per day. There is no waiting period – payment kicks in from day one of certified illness (Purple Tree – HR & payroll specialists).

Service requirement for paid sick leave

• You must have 13+ weeks of continuous employment with your current employer to qualify for SSP.
• If you work for multiple employers, you may claim up to 7 days from each employer, provided you meet the service threshold with each (Purple Tree – HR & payroll specialists).
• Part‑time and variable‑hour workers are included – average daily earnings are calculated over the previous 13 weeks (Thesaurus Software – Irish payroll provider).

What are the new sick pay rules in Ireland for 2026?

Rate of payment and employer obligations

The SSP rate remains unchanged from previous years: 70% of daily pay, capped at €110. Employers must pay SSP from the first day of certified illness. A medical certificate (from a registered doctor) is required from day one of absence for SSP to apply (Purple Tree – HR & payroll specialists).

Changes from previous years (2024–2025)

• 2023: Scheme launched at 3 days.
• 2024: Increased to 5 days.
• 2025: Planned rise to 7 days postponed – stayed at 5 days.
• April 2025: Government abandons planned extension to 10 days, announces 7‑day target for 2026 instead (Lockton – global insurance broker).
• January 2026: Entitlement increases to 7 days per year.

The abandoned 10‑day extension means Ireland remains below the EU average of 10–12 statutory sick days. The government cited economic uncertainty and employer costs as reasons for the pause (Irish Legal News).

The implication: employers get a lower statutory burden, but workers face a smaller safety net compared to many European peers.

How much is the Illness Benefit in 2026?

Illness Benefit weekly rate for 2026

When your statutory sick leave days run out, the state‑paid Illness Benefit can cover longer absences. In 2026 the weekly rate is €225, confirmed during an Oireachtas debate on 24 February 2026 (Oireachtas debate record). This payment is made by the Department of Social Protection.

Illness Benefit is a PRSI‑based payment – you must have enough social insurance contributions to qualify. The rate applies to employees who are medically certified as unfit for work and who have used up their 7 SSP days or have a longer‑term condition.

How to claim Illness Benefit from the Department of Social Protection

1. Get a medical certificate (Med Cert) from your doctor. This can be submitted online or by post.
2. Fill out the Illness Benefit claim form – available on MyWelfare.ie or as a paper form (IB1).
3. Submit the claim as soon as possible; delays may reduce backdating.
4. If approved, payments are made weekly directly to your bank or post office (Citizens Information – official social welfare guide).

The catch: delays in filing can reduce backdating, so submit your claim as soon as you know SSP will be exhausted.

How many uncertified sick days in Ireland?

Self‑certification rules

You can self‑certify absence for up to 2 consecutive days without a doctor’s note. No medical certificate is required for these days. However, your employer can ask you to explain the reason for the absence – be factual and honest (Citizens Information – official Irish guide).

If you are absent for 3 or more days (including non‑consecutive absences that trigger a pattern), a medical certificate is mandatory for SSP to apply and for Illness Benefit claims.

Paid vs unpaid uncertified leave

Your employer is not required to pay you for uncertified sick leave unless your employment contract explicitly says so. Many companies offer a number of paid “sick days” that are discretionary – check your contract or employee handbook. If your contract is silent, uncertified days are likely unpaid.

Statutory sick pay (SSP) only kicks in once a medical certificate is provided, meaning the first two days of uncertified absence are usually unpaid under the legal minimum (Workplace Relations Commission – official dispute body).

What this means: two “free” days sound generous, but unless your employer pays voluntarily, you get nothing for those days — a gap that can catch low‑wage workers hardest.

How to claim sick pay in Ireland?

Step‑by‑step claim process

1. Notify your employer on the first day of absence – by phone, email, or company absence system.
2. If off for more than 2 days, get a medical certificate from your GP. Submit it to your employer for SSP.
3. If your SSP days run out (7 days used), apply for Illness Benefit via MyWelfare.ie with your Med Cert.
4. Keep copies of all communication and certificates – they may be needed if a dispute arises.

Documents required for statutory sick leave and Illness Benefit

• Medical certificate (Med Cert) from a registered doctor – required for SSP after day 2 and for Illness Benefit.
• Illness Benefit claim form (IB1) or online application.
• Records of PRSI contributions – your social insurance record is checked automatically by the Department.
• Employer absence records – useful for proving you’ve used your 7 SSP days (Purple Tree – HR & payroll guide).

Key voices on sick leave in Ireland

“The government has decided not to proceed with the planned increase to 10 days, citing the need to balance employee protections with the cost burden on employers.”

– Government statement, April 2025 (Lockton – global insurance broker)

“The Illness Benefit rate for 2026 is set at €225 per week, ensuring that workers who exhaust their employer‑paid sick leave have a social welfare safety net.”

– Oireachtas debate, February 2026 (Official Oireachtas record)

“Employees are entitled to 7 statutory sick days per year, but the scheme only covers certified illness. Uncertified absences are not covered unless the employer has a discretionary policy.”

– Citizens Information (official Irish rights guide)

The 7‑day statutory sick leave for 2026 is a welcome gain, but the abandoned 10‑day extension leaves Ireland behind many European neighbours. For employees, the key is to know the difference between certified and uncertified leave – and to file Illness Benefit claims promptly once SSP runs out. For employers, the obligation is clear: pay 70% for up to 7 days, but don’t assume workers can afford two unpaid days of self‑certification. For Irish policy‑makers, the pattern is equally clear: the sick pay floor has risen slowly, and the next push for 10 days will depend on economic conditions and social consensus.

Readers can compare the official 2026 sick pay structure outlined in Irelands 2026 sick pay rules for a comprehensive overview.

Frequently asked questions