does my brother qualify for a medical card?

Spon Farmer

Hi,

We're trying to figure out if my brother qualifies for a medical card.
He lives with our parents and is on welfare (around €200 a week).

He was at the doctor who suggested he apply for one, but the citizen information website says

"Income guidelines if you are aged under 70 years

Weekly income limit (Gross, less tax and PRSI)

Single person living with family €164".

Does this mean he doesn't qualify? He says the doctor seemed quite certain he did.

Victor

I suspect part of his income will be discounted.

It may also depend on other factors, like what outgoings he has, e.g. if he has an income of €200 per week and is spending €100 per week on medical care, then I imagine he would qualify.

There is also the doctor-only card, which has a higher income limit.

Spon Farmer

thanks Victor.

he has no "outgoings" as such (does try to pay his bit of course)

he needs evidence of his PPS number (does he just needs his PPS card with him??) and evidence of income (that is his welfare but what evidence is required??)

Elessar

Generally if he is on social welfare he will be entitled to a medical card regardless.

"If your only income is a means tested Social Welfare Allowance, you will qualify for a Medical Card."

cee_jay

They may accept the slip he gets at the post office every week stating the amount he receives, or else he could ask the hatch where he signs for a letter stating that he is in receipt of whatever payment for x amount

Spon Farmer

he is on Jobseeker's Benefit

he just started getting paid into the bank and shredded the last of his receipts from the post office:rolleyes:

Elessar

Hmm, I applied for a medical card a few weeks ago and I'm on JSB. I thought I'd get it but now maybe I wont since it's the means tested allowance that's mentioned. But that doesn't make any sense...

So a person getting the full €200 a week on JSA will qualify for a medical card but a person getting the same amount on JSB may not??

Does anyone have any info on this?

Cookie Jar

No harm in just filling in the form and sending it off anywayz! They will let your brother know if he qualifies!

GER12

If you are in receipt of a social welfare income ie. JB/JA and have no other income and once you satisfy the means assessment you will qualify for the full GMS. You can also be entitled to the doctor only medical card which is also means tested. Any kind of savings or investments in property will affect eligibility. If your brother is living with his parents and once he is not cohabiting with girlfriends etc - his means assessment will be taken as an individual. Any kind of medical conditions if any together with detailed expenses ie. GP/Medication should be clearly detailed on the form. The form covers income from present and/or most recent employment P60.... and authorisation can be given on the form for the HSE to access his social welfare records.... otherwise he will need to contact the Department for an official statement of his payments.