Financial Planning eas

Early Absence Support

Help for when you need it most

Find out more by email Find out more by phone

How Early Absence Support works

When you’re ill or injured and can’t work, your Scheme helps you with a replacement salary.

Separately, this free service supports your return to health using Irish Life’s internal nursing team and a range of rehabilitation programmes and therapies. It is available to members of:

  • ASTI Salary Protection Scheme
  • Fórsa Salary Protection Scheme
  • INMO Income Protection Scheme
  • INTO Salary Protection Scheme
  • PNA Salary Protection Scheme

When can you use it?

1.      If you're out of work for around 4 weeks and

2.      If you're looking for help with your return to health.

What does the service provide?

  • Chat

    Chat through your medical issues and integrate this information with various support services that may help you.

  • Schedule

    Schedule follow up appointments as and when you may need them.

  • Agree

    Agree a plan to help you focus on getting better. For example, if you need physiotherapy, up to 4 complimentary sessions will be paid for.

  • Prepare

    Prepare a report which you will be able to discuss with your GP and Employer if required.

Learn more about Early Absence Support

Email eas@irishlife.ie
Call (01) 562 5106

Hear how other members have availed of Early Absence Support*

David's story

Background

  • David is in his fifties who struggling with back pain and had been out for work for over a month.
  • Back pain and not being able to work caused David’s anxiety issues and he was unsure if he would be able to return to work.

Early Absence Support

  • The nursing team had several calls with David and their reports allowed David to show his employer his recovery would take some time.
  • His pain issues were being dealt with by his GP, but David's anxiety issues persisted.
  • Irish Life provided several counselling sessions for David to deal with his anxiety while his GP treated his back pain.
  • Following a big improvement in symptoms, his nurse created a return-to-work plan which David was able to share with his employer.

Result

  • David's employer agreed with the return-to-work plan and accommodated David with his structured and phased return.
  • David successfully returned to fulltime work and benefited from the support of the EAS nurse.

Claire's story

Background

  • Claire is in her early fifties and has been out of work for over 4 weeks with anxiety.
  • She was attempting to return-to-work but was struggling with anxiety and low mood which was disrupting her sleep pattern.

Early Absence Support

  • The nursing team provided support for Claire offering lifestyle advice and helping her set up a sleep diary.
  • Her nurse guided Claire to some helpful mindfulness resources, and also provided private counselling sessions for her.

Result

  • Over time, Claire's mood and function improved and she was able to resume her work as normal.
  • She appreciated the support and the fact she felt completely understood by the nurse during her difficult time.
  • Claire remains back at work.

Marie's story

Background

  • Marie in her thirties who had been out of work with cancer.
  • She was back at work following her treatment but was struggling and needed to stop working again.

Early Absence Support

  • The nursing team helped her for a couple of months during this time.
  • Her nurse referred Marie to Irish Life's Cancer Survivor programme which she found extremely helpful.
  • This provided free CBT, Physiotherapy and Dietician sessions, all guided by a Consultant Doctor.

Result

  • Marie regained her ability to return-to-work, and was able to use the programme to build up her strength and confidence during this period.
  • Marie remains back at work and was greatly helped by all the support provided to her through Early Absence Support.

Find out more

Learn more about Early Absence Support

Email eas@irishlife.ie
Call (01) 562 5106

*Source Irish Life Assurance plc: These stories are based on real life Early Absence Support experiences, February 2025.

Early Absence Support service is brought to members by Irish Life as part of the Cornmarket administered Scheme's and is not a regulated financial product. The service is managed by Irish Life Assurance plc.

The ASTI Salary Protection Scheme, Fórsa Salary Protection Schele, INMO Income Protection Scheme, INTO Salary Protection Scheme and PNA Salary Protection Scheme are underwritten by Irish Life Assurance plc.

Irish Life Assurance plc is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.