Full Medical Card and USC query

curioussligo

Hi there,

I filled out the online medical card application in November last year, but forgot to send it off until last week.(Don't ask, mix up between two people!).

Based on the online medical card application I am entitled to the Full medical card.

What I'm wondering is, when does that apply from? Is it from the date the online application is made, or from the date its submitted by paper, or the date its rubber stamped? The reason I ask is that having the Medical Card applicable from last November will mean a USC refund of about 400 for last year, so as you see, the timing is very important.

Thanks in advance for your help, I know its a tricky one!

owiseone

It depends what the start date of your medical card is. You can check this on www.medicalcard.ie - check card status by entering your medical card no. This gives the start date and end date of your card. If start date is sometime in 2012 you will be entitled to refund of USC paid in 2012. If its 2013 there will be no refund due for 2012. That's all the information Revenue use is the start and end date of card, not when you actually applied.

The Ayatolla

If you held a card at any stage in 2012, are you entitled to a refund for the entire year?

So if my Medical card expired in January 2012 for example, would I be entitled to a refund for USC paid from February to December?

Kristopherus

No. Only for the few weeks in January 2012, at best.

PinkFly

I have a full medical card, work part time and paid €200 in USC last year, can I get this refunded? I never heard of this but was wondering why since this year started I haven't paid anything in it!

The Ayatolla

You're not exempt, just that you'll pay at a slightly lower rate for everything earned over €10,036.

If you earned under €10,036 (gross) in 2012, you don't pay USC. You can apply to get this refunded via the Income levy refund form or request a P21 balancing statement for 2012.

Check your P60 or your final payslip in 2012 to find your total gross pay.

PinkFly

I did earn under that, will fill it out thanks for your reply!

The Ayatolla

P21 balancing statement so is all you need, which only takes a few days to process. you can request one for 2012 by logging into PAYE anytime.