The Treatment Benefit Scheme run by the Department of Social Protection provides dental, optical and aural services to qualified people. From 27 March 2017, the Treatment Benefit Scheme has been extended to also cover self-employed people who pay Class S PRSI and have the required number of PRSI contributions. This can potentially benefit 500,000 self-employed people in Ireland. Under the Treatment Benefit Scheme, you may qualify for:
Dental benefit: the Department pays the full cost of an oral examination once per calendar year. You will need to fill out form D1 in order to avail of the scheme.
Optical benefit: free eyesight test. However, sight tests for VDUs, driving licences, etc., are not covered under the scheme. The examination is provided by opticians/optometrists who have a contract with the Department of Social Protection. You will need to fill out form O1 if you are applying for optical services under the Treatment Benefit Scheme
Hearing aids: Hearing aids may be provided by suppliers who have a contract with the Department of Social Protection. The Department pays half the cost of a hearing aid subject to a fixed maximum of €500 for each hearing aid every 4 years. It also pays half the cost of repairs to aids. You will need to fill out form MA if you are applying for aural services under the Treatment Benefit Scheme
You should check your eligibility with the supplier/service provider before proceeding with any treatment.
