If you pay social insurance contributions in Ireland, it’s likely that you qualify for PRSI dental entitlements in 2024. These entitlements are a part of the Treatment Benefit Scheme. This ensures that you can access dental care annually, while minimising the cost of services like a scale and polish.
Most employees in Ireland aged between 16 and 66 pay PRSI contributions. This means that many people qualify for PRSI dental care – but not everyone who’s eligible takes advantage of it.
If you’re looking for a dentist in Bandon who accepts PRSI entitlements, you’ve come to the right place. At Bandon Dental, we welcome patients from across Cork. Eager to learn more about what your entitlements cover? Read on for everything you need to know.
What is PRSI?
PRSI, or Pay Related Social Insurance, is a social insurance contribution typically made by both employers and, in many instances, employees. The precise amount can differ, based on your social insurance class. These contributions are automatically deducted from your salary by your employer and are subsequently gathered by Revenue.
For a comprehensive record of all your PRSI contributions, check your pay slip. In Ireland, PRSI enables taxpayers to access benefits through the Treatment Benefit scheme. Assuming you’ve made adequate contributions, you qualify for benefits encompassing hearing aids, optometry services, and – most importantly – dental care.
What Are PRSI Dental Entitlements?
Individuals who have made PRSI contributions throughout their career are potentially eligible for PRSI dental entitlements. This program extends nationwide, catering to full-time employees, self-employed individuals, and retirees alike.
These benefits grant Irish taxpayers access to subsidised dental care. With that said, PRSI benefits exclusively apply to specific dental procedures, such as a scale and polish by dental hygienists. Cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening and orthodontic procedures are not covered. For certain treatments, individuals may receive a 20% reimbursement through a Med 2 Claim. For further information, consult Revenue.ie.
What Dental Treatments are Covered by PRSI in 2024?
If you meet the contribution requirements and are eligible for PRSI benefits in Ireland, you can access the Treatment Benefit Scheme. The available treatments include an annual dental check-up, allowing patients to undergo a comprehensive oral examination once every 12 months.
Additionally, in 2024, PRSI covers dental cleaning, with this entitlement subsidising a portion of the expenses for a scale and polish. Patients can also opt for a periodontal treatment – a deep cleaning of the teeth and gums – over the dental cleaning, if recommended by their dentist in Cork.
As of 2024, PRSI entitlements mean that you’ll pay a maximum of €15 for a scale and polish, instead of 2023’s €15-23 sliding-scale fee. However, in 2024, extra costs for periodontal treatments aren’t capped. Therefore, if your periodontal treatment costs more than €42, you must pay the balance. “Unlike a standard scale and polish, protracted periodontal treatment involves a deep clean of the teeth and gums, which is often performed under local anesthesia,” said Deirdre Dunne, a dental hygienist and the owner of Bandon Dental.
Who Can Claim PRSI Dental Entitlements?
PRSI dental benefits are accessible to the majority of taxpayers in Ireland. However, this depends on your social insurance contributions throughout your career. It’s also important to note that the criteria can vary, depending on your age. We’ve got a handy list to break this down for you.
- Under 21 years old: A minimum of 39 contributions.
- Ages between 21 and 28: 39 contributions in the two years preceding your claim.
- Ages between 29 to 65: A minimum of 260 contributions from age 29 or 26 contributions in the last two contribution years.
- Ages 66 and older – Special rules apply:
- You have 260 social insurance (PRSI) contributions paid at any time and 39 paid or credited contributions in the relevant tax year or the year immediately before it.
- You have 260 social insurance (PRSI) contributions paid at any time and 26 paid contributions in both the relevant tax year and the year immediately before it. The relevant tax year is the second last completed tax year before reaching 66 years of age
What if I’m Unemployed?
For people who aren’t in paid employment, there are alternative methods to meet the prerequisites for PRSI contributions in 2024. Should illness prevent you from working, consider applying for the Illness Benefit. This offers a means to maintain contribution coverage. Similarly, if you’re actively seeking employment, Jobseeker’s Benefit can assist in meeting the minimum criteria for PRSI dental coverage.
Can Spouses, Cohabitants and Civil Partners Qualify?
In specific circumstances, a dependent spouse may be eligible for the Treatment Benefit Scheme if their partner has made sufficient contributions over their lifetime. However, eligibility requires marriage, civil partnership, or cohabitation with a partner who has made sufficient PRSI contributions.
When claiming as a dependent, both you and your spouse must complete a dependent spouse application form and submit it for approval. Even after the death of their partner, widowed dependents remain covered by spousal contributions.
However, certain fundamental criteria must be met by a dependent spouse. To qualify, a spouse or partner must have a weekly gross income not exceeding €100 and must not be receiving any social welfare payments, except for Child Benefit, Carer’s Benefit, Supplementary Welfare Allowance, and Disablement Pension.
Living in the United Kingdom or the European Union?
Individuals residing in the United Kingdom or the EU can still avail themselves of PRSI entitlements. However, determining eligibility necessitates contacting the Treatment Benefit Section. If you seek treatment abroad and meet the criteria for PRSI entitlements, you will receive partial reimbursement for the treatment expenses. To facilitate this process, you must provide receipts of your treatment, along with your contact details and preferred bank account for payment.
How Do I Check if I Am Eligible for PRSI Entitlements?
Still unsure about your PRSI entitlements? Your dental provider can verify your eligibility. However, you’ll need to provide some information for your dental practice to conduct this check. If in doubt, reach out to Bandon Dental at 023-8841752 or via email at info@bandondental.ie, and our team will happily assist, once you consent.
When you contact your dentist regarding PRSI eligibility, you will need to provide your Personal Public Service (PPS) number, along with your full name and date of birth. Additionally, consent will be needed for your dental practice to perform the necessary checks on your behalf.
How To Use PRSI Dental Entitlements?
Once your eligibility has been verified, you can utilise your PRSI entitlements to schedule an appointment for subsidised dental care. Just inform your dental practice of your preference, whether it’s for a scale and polish or for alternative treatments like a periodontal treatment.
Take Advantage of the Treatment Benefit Scheme Today
The Treatment Benefit Scheme and PRSI entitlements offer a convenient avenue to make sure your smile is looking its best. If you’ve contributed to social insurance at any point, you might be eligible for partially subsidised treatment at your local dental clinic.
“An annual scale and polish from your dental hygienist is a good step in preserving optimal oral health and avoiding potential complications,” said Deirdre Dunne. Verifying your eligibility requires only a few key details. In addition to complimentary dental check-ups with our dentists at Bandon Dental and a scale and polish with our Dental Hygienists, you can utilise PRSI to partially cover the expenses for advanced dental procedures such as periodontal treatment.
Speak to the Team at Bandon Dental
Looking to use your entitlements before they expire? If you’ve had trouble finding a PRSI-registered dentist in Cork, it’s time to get in touch with Bandon Dental today. Along with routine check-ups and PRSI treatments like scale and polish appointments, we offer a full range of private dental care options.
Get in touch about dental crowns and restorative work, or speak to the team about orthodontic solutions like Invisalign. Need help restoring your smile to its former glory? Our team is on hand to help.
Need to check your eligibility or book an appointment? Use the online contact form or call us at (023) 884-1752.