Nearly 4,000 People Claim Disability Payment Due To Long Covid

Monday, 4 July 2022 14:30

By Caoimhe Harney

As many as one in ten people who get the virus go on to suffer from Long Covid.

Almost 4,000 people are on disability payment because they're unable to work due to Long Covid.

Department of Social Protection figures show 3,783 have remained on the payment after getting the Covid-19 Enhanced Illness Benefit.

The details have been obtained by Independent TD Denis Naughten through Parliamentary Question.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Long Covid as "usually 3 months from the onset of Covid-19 with symptoms that last for at least 2 months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis." 

As many as one in ten people who get the virus go on to suffer from Long Covid.

However, the symptoms and severity of the condition can vary.

Deputy Naughten says the actual numbers who're dealing with Long Covid are likely much higher.

"It's clearly a significant problem that's there at the moment.

"This is only the tip of the iceberg, because based on HSE figures, there's somewhere between 150,000 and 300,000 people experiencing some or all of the symptoms of Long Covid.

"Which is putting huge additional pressure on the healthcare system, and it really needs to be addressed as a matter of priority," he added.

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