Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
1144. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry is eligible for a hair piece and wig under the treatment benefit scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30629/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe hair replacement benefit is an annual benefit of up to €500 available to persons who satisfy the medical requirements and the PRSI conditions of the Department’s Treatment Benefit scheme.
The payment will assist people who have suffered hair loss due to a disease or treatment of a disease such as cancer or certain types of alopecia to purchase a hair replacement product.
In the circumstances of the named person, in order to qualify for treatment benefit a PRSI contributor must have a total of 260 paid contributions at class A/E/H/P/S since starting work and also have 39 contributions paid or credited in the relevant contribution year on which the claim is based, which currently is 2020.
The named person has the required number of PRSI contributions paid to qualify for the treatment benefit scheme.
Details of the qualifying medical conditions and the providers registered with the Department to provide hair replacement products are available on the gov.ie website
Should the named person meet the medical requirement and wish to avail of the benefit, they should attend a hair replacement provider registered with the Department and provide confirmation of their medical condition.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
