Qualification for the treatment benefit scheme is based on the insured person having paid the correct numbers of PRSI contributions, at the correct rate, over the relevant time period. The reckonable contributions for qualification purposes are those paid at the class A, E, H or P rate.
The person concerned was self-employed during his working life and as a result his PRSI contributions were paid at class ‘S’. As these contributions are not reckonable for qualification purposes for the treatment benefit scheme, he is not qualified for a hearing aid grant.