Reduced amount of Illness Benefit

Hi all,
Just looking for a little help.
I left my job 5 weeks ago due to illness.(will be unable to workfor along time so didnt want to just go sick from my job while someone else could be doing the work)
I didnt think i was entitled to any social welfare payments but when i went to my doctor she said i could send in social welfare certs that she would sign.
Today i received in my bank account just over €300.00 for the 4 sick certs.
I read on a website that the payment was around 197.00. Can anyone shed some light onto why i am getting around €80. or so a week??
Sorry just never been out of work before and never claimed anything i have been working since 1992 in different jobs!!
My husband works but just gets aound €400 a week.
And i have 2 children under 18 (11 and 2).
B

The amount paid is based on your average weekly earnings for the year 2006, here are the amounts

Illness Benefit rates are graduated according to earnings in the relevant tax year.

If weekly earnings are less than €80 the Personal Rate is €88.90
Earnings between €80 and less than €125 the Personal Rate is €127.80
Earnings between €125 and less than €150 the Personal Rate is €155
Earnings of €150.00 or more the personal rate is €197.80

You also don't get paid for the first 3 days of a new claim.

You may be entitled to Family Income Supplement (FIS) - the income limit for a family with 2 children is €570 per week (your SW and husband's income are assessed), have a look here for information

Hi Thanks for that.
I earned over €400 a week so i would be entitled to the full amount of Illness Benefit if i go by the guidelines!
Maybe that payment was only for 2 weeks minus the 3 days!!
I will have to wait and see i never recieved any letter or correspondance from them yet..
Thanks again
B