Thousands MORE qualify for little-known €500 & €1,000 ‘free services' PRSI payments as increases revealed after changes
THOUSANDS more are set to qualify two little-known "free services" PRSI payments amid new increases.
The Treatment Benefit covers a vast range of dental, optical and aural services.
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Several changes were made
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This can include eye tests and oral examinations, contact lenses and hearing aids.
People suffering from certain conditions such as alopecia or undergoing chemotherapy may also be able to avail of wigs or hairpieces covered by the
And now new changes to the payment will mean even more people will qualify for €500 or €1000 sums.
The Minister for Social Protection
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€500 PAYMENT
The €500 contributes towards one medical device, such as one hearing aid per ear every four years
Prior to 2021, the Department covered 50 per cent of the cost of hearing aids up to €500 per ear once every four years.
New regulations introduced in 2021 removed the need for the patient to cover half the cost of their hearing aid.
Now they must only cover the cost themselves if their hearing aid is over €500 per ear.
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In May 2022 a €500 euro hair replacement benefit was also introduced.
This is an annual payment for those suffering from hair loss under certain conditions.
€1,000 PAYMENT
The €1,000 payment can be claimed against the cost of
This is split in two parts of €500 per eye and is paid out once every two years.
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Prior to 2022 this payment was made every four years.
QUALIFYING CHANGES
Since April 2022 you must have paid 39 paid Class A, E, H, P or S social insurance contributions if you are aged between 25 to 28.
This is significantly lower than the previously required 260 contributions over five years of employment.
As it stands, to qualify those under 21 must have at least 39 contributions at anytime.
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In the category of 25-year-old to 28-year-old the 39 contributions must be paid or credited in the governing contribution year or 26 paid contributions in each of the second and third last contribution years.
Those aged over 29 must have at least 260 paid contributions and again at least 39 paid or credited contributions in the governing contribution year or 26 paid contributions in each of the second and third last contribution years.
QUALIFYING FOR PEOPLE OVER 66
There are very specific requirements for over 66s to qualify.
They must have 260 PRSI contributions paid at any time and 39 paid or credited contributions in the relevant tax year or the year immediately before it.
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Otherwise they must have 260 PRSI contributions paid at any time and 26 paid contributions in both the relevant tax year and the year immediately before it.
However, if you turned 66 between 1 October 1987 and 6 July 1992, you need 208 paid contributions.
DENTAL CHANGES
The
The Department will pay the cost of a full oral examination once per year.
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However, from January 2024, the fee paid to a dentist for providing an Oral examination, including x-ray, was increased from €33 to €40, available once per calendar year.
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