Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 November 2023
76. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) was refused a grant for hearing aids, when they are in receipt of the State pension (non-contributory), live alone, have a full GMS card and the deterioration in their hearing has become a health and safety issue within their home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48931/23]
View answerThe Treatment Benefit Scheme provides dental, optical and aural services to insured workers, the self-employed, retired people and their dependant spouse/partner who have the required number of social insurance (PRSI) contributions.
In order to qualify a person needs to have at least 260 PRSI contributions paid at either Class A, E, H, P or S, since first starting work, and also have 39 contributions paid or credited in the relevant contribution year on which the claim is based.
The person concerned does not qualify for treatment benefit under the Department's PRSI scheme. Although she has the required 260 total paid contributions, Department records show that she does not have the 39 paid or credited contributions in the relevant tax years. If this information is incorrect, the person concerned can have their record corrected by contacting the Treatment Benefit section.
If the person concerned is the holder of a medical card, she may have an entitlement to benefit under the HSE scheme. She should contact her local HSE health office for advice on her entitlement under that scheme.
I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
