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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Dental, aural and optical treatments are all included
Thousands of people across Ireland could be eligible for a grant of up to €1000 for dental, optical, and other treatment services.
The Treatment Benefit is a scheme run by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) to provide a limited financial contribution towards dental, optical and aural services.
The Treatment Benefit Scheme is available to insured workers, the self-employed and retired people who have the required number of PRSI contributions.
Under the Treatment Benefit Scheme, you may qualify for:
You should contact your treatment provider to check your eligibility before proceeding with any treatment.
Treatment Benefit in the EU
If you choose to have treatment in another EU member state, the DSP will pay an amount equivalent to the rate paid for similar treatments carried out in Ireland or the amount actually paid for the treatment - whichever is the lower. You must still have the qualifying PRSI contributions.
Check before you travel to get an application form and details of the amounts the DSP will pay.
Dental Benefit
Under this scheme, the DSP pays the full cost of an oral examination once a calendar year.
A payment of €42 towards either a scale and polish or - if clinically necessary - periodontal treatment, is also available once a calendar year. If the cost of either cleaning or periodontal treatment is more than €42, you must pay the balance - capped at €15 for a scale and polish. There is no cap on the balance charged for periodontal treatment.
Optical Benefit
The Treatment Benefit Scheme entitles you to a free eyesight test, once every 2 years. However, sight tests for VDUs and driving licences are not covered under the scheme.
Hearing aids
Hearing aids may be provided by suppliers who have a contract with the DSP. The DSP pays the full cost of a hearing aid up to a maximum of €500 (€1,000 for a pair) once every 4 years. It also pays the full cost of repairs to aids, up to a maximum of €100, once every 4 years.
Hairpiece and wig
From 28 May 2022, you can get up to €500 for one hair replacement item such as a hairpiece or wig, in each calendar year. It does not cover surgical or topical treatments.
How to qualify for Treatment Benefit
Contribution conditions:
How to apply for Treatment Benefit
Claims are made through your provider (dentist, dispensing optician/optometrist/ophthalmologist or audiologist), who can check your entitlement in advance of treatment and claim payment afterwards.
Your provider will require some information to identify you, such as your date of birth and PPS number. Prior to treatment, you will need to sign a Consent Form agreeing to your provider having this information and giving your consent to have this information supplied to the Department of Social Protection, to enable payment of your claim.
For more information on services, eligibility, and how to apply for the Treatment Benefit Scheme click here
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