This is a quick reference guide only and is not intended to replace existing policies and procedures. See ‘what are the relevant policies and procedures’ for further details.

The HSE is committed to the health and wellbeing of employees and aims to support employees out of work on long term absence due to illness.

The granting of pay, under the various long term absence benefit schemes, is subject to full compliance with the provisions and conditions of the procedures as set out in the HSE Managing Attendance Policy, HSE Long Term Absence Benefit Schemes Guidelines, Rehabilitation Policy and other relevant policies.  Failure to comply with any of these provisions may result in the scheme being withheld.

Temporary Rehabilitation Remuneration (TRR) refers to the rate of pay you may be awarded if you have exhausted benefits from all other paid sick leave.  The rate of TRR is the same rate of pension that you would receive if you were to retire on the grounds of ill health at that time.  However, time spent on this scheme is NOT reckonable for pension purposes.

Eligibility and granting of the TRR payment is based on the relevant pension scheme rules.  In order to qualify you must have a realistic chance of returning to work and providing a regular and efficient service.

FAQ’s

What is the application process?

The HSE Temporary Rehabilitation Remuneration HR Form 114b: https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-forms/115trr.pdf must be completed

  • Employee:

You must complete section 1 of the HR114b form

You must also attend Occupational Health for medical assessment

  • Occupational Health Physician:

The Occupational Health physician does not complete any part of the form

They will provide a medical opinion regarding the possibility that there is a realistic chance that you will return  to work and provide a regular and efficient service

  • Line Manager:

Your line manager must complete section 2 of the HR114b form

Your line manager should refer you to the Occupational Health department for assessment. They must send the completed form along with the relevant Occupational Health report, medical certificates and any further relevant information to senior management

  • Senior Management:

The senior manager completes section 3 on the form

The senior manager will assess the application and will seek further information if required, before making a recommendation to the senior Human Resources Manager

  • Senior Human Resources Manager:

The final decision regarding the awarding of TRR is made by a Senior Human Resources (HR) Manager.  The Senior HR Manager completes section 4 of the form and informs the line manager who must inform you of the decision

What if the application is approved?

If an application is approved, the line manager will inform you. The line manager will request Pensions Management to calculate the applicable TRR and inform you of the rate to be paid. They will arrange for TRR payment to be commenced through payroll

What if the application is NOT approved?

If the application is not approved, the line manager must convey this decision to you along with the reasons for this

Can I appeal the decision?

Yes. Decisions may be appealed through the Grievance Procedure

Will there be a monitoring process?

Yes. You must co-operate with the Managing Attendance Policy and the Rehabilitation of Employees Back to Work after Illness or Injury Policy at all times.  Your line manager/HR will continue to monitor your sick leave on a monthly basis.  You will be required to attend Occupational Health for regular assessments and to participate in the rehabilitation process in line with their medical recommendations, in order to facilitate a return to work as soon as possible. You must cooperate with the Managing Attendance Policy and the Rehabilitation of Employees Back to Work after Illness or Injury Policy

Does it affect my pension/superannuation?

Yes it does. Time spent on this scheme is NOT reckonable for pension purposes

What payment will I be eligible to get?

TRR payment is based on the rate of pension that you would receive if you were to retire on the grounds of ill health at that time.  All HSE employees are required to provide notification to the HSE of the amount of Illness Benefit/Occupational Injury Benefit that they are eligible to receive from Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) during periods of medically certified absences. See HSE HR Circular 005/2018

How long will TRR continue?

If you are on ‘Ordinary sick leave’ you may be entitled to 547 calendar days on TRR in a rolling 4 year period

If you have been granted Critical illness payment, you may get 365 calendar days on TRR in a rolling 4 year period with a provision for an extend 2 years (730 calendar days) i.e. a total of 1095 days

What are the relevant HSE Policies and Procedures?

HSE Managing Attendance Policy

HSE Rehabilitation of Employees Back to Work after Illness or Injury Policy

HSE Long Term Absence Benefit Schemes Guidelines

HSE HR Circular 020/2013 – New Public Service Sick Leave Scheme – 1st January 2014 https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/circular0202013.pdf

HSE HR Circular 005/2014 – Public Service Management (Sick Leave) Regulations 2014 https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/00514.pdf

HSE HR Circular 014/2018  re Public Service Sick Leave Scheme Changes to the Critical Illness Protocol (CIP) provisions from 31st March 2018 https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/benefitsservices/timeoff/hr-circular-014-2018-re-public-service-sick-leave-scheme-changes-to-the-critical-illness-protocol.pdf

HSE HR Circular 005/2018 – HSE Sick pay and Illness/Occupational Injury Benefit Payments from DEASP https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-005-2018-re-changes-to-payment-of-hse-sick-pay-and-occ-injury-benefit-by-deasp.pdf

Where can I find further information?

Talk to your manager and local HR service

Contact the HSE HR helpdesk at 1850 444 925 or email ask.hr@hse.ie

Where can I find further support?

See www.workwell.ie for information on supports for employee including a contact list for counselling in your service area