Dental and optical benefits, contact lenses and hearing aids
These benefits are based on your PRSI record. If you qualify for these benefits at age 60, you will remain qualified for life.
Your spouse may also qualify for these benefits based on your PRSI record if:
• their weekly income is below a certain limit (currently €76.18 a week),
or
• they are earning more than €76.18 a week and were dependent on you immediately before they started or returned to insurable employment,
or
• they are not getting a social welfare payment in their own right (besides Carer’s Benefit, Disablement Pension, Supplementary Welfare Allowance or Child Benefit),
or
• they are getting Carer’s Allowance or State Pension (Non-Contributory) in their own right and were dependent on you immediately before getting this Allowance or Pension.
Note for widows and widowers
If your spouse had a right to Treatment Benefit at the date of their death and you were dependent on them at the time, you will continue to qualify for Treatment Benefit until you remarry.
For more details on Treatment Benefit, see information booklet SW 24.