Re: illness benifit question??
You will get 15 months continous Illness Benefit, based on your "stamps" as you call them. If you are still ill after that time, you may apply for Disability Allowance, which is means tested. Regarding "using up" "stamps", the answer is no. Your PRSI contributions also cover you for Jobseeker's Benefit regardless of how much time you spend on Illness Benefit, and, of course, help to qualify you for a state pension. You will get credits towards that pension also while you are claiming other social welfare benefits.