You should contact your SW office and see about signing on - they will assess your claim. If you don't qualify for PRSI linked Unemployment Benefit then you may qualify for means tested Unemployment Assistance. You should also inquire about Disability Benefit/Allowance in case it applies in the case of your certified illness. Basically ask them what your entitlements are, if any. You could also contact your local Citizens Information Centre for info on this stuff. It is quite possible that you are entitled to nothing but you need to go and ask.