Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 January 2019
1066. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason an application by a person (details supplied) for a hearing aid was refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54406/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraQualification for medical appliance benefit is based on satisfying certain PRSI conditions, including having paid the required total number of contributions since first starting work, along with having the required number of contributions paid or credited in the relevant tax year on which the claim is based.
The person concerned made an application for medical appliance benefit in December 2018. This application was refused as she did not have the required total number of contributions recorded.
However, following a further examination of her record an older insurance record has been found and the contributions paid under that number can be counted for qualification purposes. As a result, she now has the required number of contributions to qualify for the benefit. She will receive a letter within the next few days advising her of the position and confirming her eligibility for medical appliance (hearing aid) benefit.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
