Treatment Benefit Ireland 2026 — Free Dental, Optical & Hearing for PRSI Contributors
Treatment Benefit in Ireland
Treatment Benefit gives PRSI contributors free dental examinations, free eye tests, a contribution towards glasses, and up to €500 per hearing aid — no means test. Here is who qualifies, what is covered, and how to use it.
Treatment Benefit 2026 — At a glance
- Dental & eye exam
- Free — once per year
- Glasses contribution
- Up to €57.23 — every 2 years
- Hearing aid
- Up to €500 per aid (€1,000 per pair)
- PRSI required (under 60)
- 260 paid contributions — aged 66+ qualifies automatically
Key facts — Treatment Benefit 2026
Who qualifies for Treatment Benefit?
- Under 60: at least 260 paid PRSI contributions AND at least 39 paid or credited in the relevant tax year
- Aged 60–65: at least 39 paid or credited contributions in the relevant tax year
- Aged 66 and over: automatic entitlement — no contribution check
- PRSI Classes A, E, H, P and S all qualify
- Your dependent spouse or civil partner may also be covered through your record if they have no entitlement of their own
Dental Treatment Benefit — what is covered
| Service | What you pay |
|---|---|
| Dental examination (once per year) | Free |
| Scale and polish (teeth cleaning) | Small charge may apply |
| Emergency treatment (extraction, etc.) | Reduced patient charge |
| Fillings, crowns, bridges, orthodontics | Not covered — full cost applies |
Optical Treatment Benefit — what is covered
| Service | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Eye examination (once per year) | Free |
| Ready-to-wear glasses | €42.00 contribution |
| Prescription glasses or contact lenses | €57.23 contribution |
| Frequency | Every 2 years (or sooner if prescription changes significantly) |
Aural (Hearing) Treatment Benefit
- Free hearing assessment by a participating audiologist
- Up to €500 per hearing aid (maximum €1,000 for a pair)
- Hearing aids must be sourced from a participating provider
- Battery replacement and servicing may also be covered under the scheme
How to use your Treatment Benefit
-
Find a participating provider
Search for participating dentists, opticians and audiologists on MyWelfare.ie. Not all practices participate — always check before booking.
-
Tell the provider you are using Treatment Benefit
At your appointment, provide your PPS number and confirm you wish to use Treatment Benefit. The provider checks your eligibility directly.
-
Provider claims from DSP directly
The participating provider submits the claim to the Department of Social Protection. You only pay any applicable patient charges on top of the covered amount.
Frequently asked questions
What is Treatment Benefit in Ireland?
A PRSI-based scheme providing free dental examinations, free eye tests, contributions towards glasses, and up to €500 per hearing aid. No means test — eligibility based on PRSI contributions.
Who qualifies for Treatment Benefit?
Under 60: 260 paid PRSI contributions and 39 in the relevant tax year. Aged 60–65: 39 contributions in the relevant tax year. Aged 66+: automatic entitlement. Classes A, E, H, P and S qualify.
What dental treatment is covered?
Free dental examination once per year, scale and polish with a small charge, emergency treatment at reduced cost. Fillings, crowns and orthodontics are not covered.
What optical benefit is available?
Free eye examination once per year. Up to €57.23 contribution towards prescription glasses or contact lenses every 2 years (or sooner if prescription changes significantly).
Does Treatment Benefit cover hearing aids?
Yes — up to €500 per hearing aid (€1,000 for a pair), plus a free hearing assessment from a participating audiologist.
Can self-employed people use Treatment Benefit?
Yes. PRSI Class S (self-employed) qualifies with the same contribution requirements as employees.
How do I use Treatment Benefit?
Find a participating provider at MyWelfare.ie, provide your PPS number at the appointment, and the provider claims from DSP directly. You pay only any applicable patient top-up charges.
- Treatment Benefit is not the same as a Medical Card — it covers dental, optical and hearing only, not GP visits or prescriptions.
- Not all dentists or opticians participate — always check at MyWelfare.ie before booking an appointment, or ask the practice directly.
- People aged 66 and over qualify automatically for dental and optical benefits — no PRSI contribution check is required at that age.
- The glasses contribution applies every two years, not every year — unless your prescription changes significantly, in which case you can claim sooner.
- Fillings, crowns and orthodontic treatment are not covered by the basic dental benefit — only the examination, scale and polish, and emergency treatment.
- Your dependent spouse or civil partner may also be covered through your PRSI record — even if they have never worked or paid PRSI themselves.
Related guides
This page was reviewed against official Irish government guidance and updated to reflect 2026 Treatment Benefit rates and eligibility rules.