Persons on Illness Benefit and Invalidity Pension must obtain written exemption from the 'rules of behaviour' from the DSFA before they can engage in FÁS training.

Existing arrangements for Invalidity Pension and Illness Benefit beneficiaries will continue to apply. These beneficiaries – whether in a mainline FÁS training centre or training with specialist providers – will be paid the standard FÁS training allowance in accordance with standard rates and will retain their social welfare payments. Other benefits from the DSFA and/or the Department of Health and Children held by the participant will be retained. They will not receive the Training Bonus.

FÁS will allow course participants with a disability to have a total of 20 working days certified sick absence in any four month period. FÁS will continue to pay the training allowance for that period. If a Illness Benefit/Invalidity Pension recipient has an aggregate of 20 days sick leave over a four month period, FÁS will review the situation in consultation with the participant to determine if the participant is likely to be able to continue the training course.

For further information about Invalidity Pension or Illness Benefits, contact your local FÁS Office.