Treatment Benefit Scheme

mrcheez

Do I need to apply prior to getting the free dental check-up, or is this done at the clinic at the time of the check-up?

If the former, I imagine the application procedure takes a few days (read "weeks").

tooth_doc

mrcheez wrote: »

Do I need to apply prior to getting the free dental check-up, or is this done at the clinic at the time of the check-up?

If the former, I imagine the application procedure takes a few days (read "weeks").

if you have a medical card then once a year you can get a free check up

mrcheez

Is it not available to anyone who pays PRSI?

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/disability_and_illness/treatment_benefit_scheme.html

From the age of 25 onwards, you must have at least 260 paid contributions and

At least 39 paid or credited contributions in the governing contribution year (2012 is the governing contribution year for claims made in 2014) and 13 paid contributions in a recent contribution year or
26 paid contributions in each of the second and third last contribution years. For claims made in 2014, the second last contribution year is 2012 and the third last contribution year is 2011.

tooth_doc

mrcheez wrote: »

Is it not available to anyone who pays PRSI?

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/disability_and_illness/treatment_benefit_scheme.html

From the age of 25 onwards, you must have at least 260 paid contributions and

At least 39 paid or credited contributions in the governing contribution year (2012 is the governing contribution year for claims made in 2014) and 13 paid contributions in a recent contribution year or
26 paid contributions in each of the second and third last contribution years. For claims made in 2014, the second last contribution year is 2012 and the third last contribution year is 2011.

yes it is, check with your local dentist if he takes PRSI, because not all of them do

mrcheez

so back to the original question, do I need to apply in advance or just go in and get the free check up?

tooth_doc

mrcheez wrote: »

so back to the original question, do I need to apply in advance or just go in and get the free check up?

as far as i know, you dont need to apply for a check up, but you do need to make an appointment, they should give you something to sign and check your PRSI number on the day of your appointment

digzy

Contact the dentist with your pps number. They'll bang off an email to the dept of social welfare.To be fair the department reply within the day and the dentist can ring you to confirm if you're covered for a free annual oral examination.

mrcheez

Just regarding this free dental check up, if you need any work done (small filling etc), I take it you forgo the "free" and have to pay as normal?

btkm8unsl0w5r4

mrcheez wrote: »

Just regarding this free dental check up, if you need any work done (small filling etc), I take it you forgo the "free" and have to pay as normal?

The check up is free, any additional work is not.

mrcheez

digzy wrote: »

Contact the dentist with your pps number. They'll bang off an email to the dept of social welfare.To be fair the department reply within the day and the dentist can ring you to confirm if you're covered for a free annual oral examination.

It's been two weeks since I signed the application for the Treatment Benefit Scheme which was given to me by the dentist and I've heard nothing back from the health dept.

Hardly one day! How long does this typically take?

davo10

mrcheez wrote: »

It's been two weeks since I signed the application for the Treatment Benefit Scheme which was given to me by the dentist and I've heard nothing back from the health dept.

Hardly one day! How long does this typically take?

If you are qualified, the dept of sfa tell you immediately. If your qualification is subject to approval, this occurs when dept needs for info such as a P60 from your employer, then it can take a bit longer. This is not a case of the dentist holding up treatment, it is a case of dept of sfa holding up approval. You can phone them in Letterkenny and ask them what the hold up is.

At my clinic, if a person has to post an approval form to dept of sfa, they pay for the check up when it is done and when then refund it later if approval application is successful.

mrcheez

davo10 wrote: »

If you are qualified, the dept of sfa tell you immediately. If your qualification is subject to approval, this occurs when dept needs for info such as a P60 from your employer, then it can take a bit longer. This is not a case of the dentist holding up treatment, it is a case of dept of sfa holding up approval. You can phone them in Letterkenny and ask them what the hold up is.

Cheers, what is the number/name of the dept?

davo10

mrcheez wrote: »

Cheers, what is the number/name of the dept?

Department of social and family affairs. 1890 400 400

mrcheez

mrcheez wrote: »

It's been two weeks since I signed the application for the Treatment Benefit Scheme which was given to me by the dentist and I've heard nothing back from the health dept.

Hardly one day! How long does this typically take?

FYI, I finally got the form yesterday. That's 5 weeks it takes, for anyone who's interested.

Bizarre why a service is offered if they are so reluctant to give it.