Medical Card renewal and income

Ave Sodalis

Hi all,

Wondering if I could get a little bit of help with this. My medical card is up for renewal. My previous medical cards were due to being considered a dependant in full time education. For income, they are asking for an average weekly income. I'm in employment, but I'm paid minimum wage by the hour and the hours vary wildly week by week. For the first four weeks, I've been over the limit of €164. The last three weeks, I've been under it. It's expected to pick up again before christmas, but after christmas I can expect to have very little hours again. I don't know what my annual income will even be, I just know it will be under €12000 as I had to ring revenue to confirm I'm not being charge USC. As evidence, they're asking for my most recent payslip, which shows I'm under the limit.
They are also asking for my travel expenses. I don't currently have a mode of transport as I can't afford a car at the moment, and there is someone who drops me off on their way their partner's house so I don't pay for expenses. However, I expect to have saved enough to get a car and thus be spending on expenses by Febuary when the renewal form is due.

Any idea as to what to put on the form? I'm assuming that because they've sent it out so early, they are looking for a quick reply. Thanks

Captain Peanuts McDrummie

They'll take your average income for the year into consideration, so it'll be your gross income less the tax you've paid divided by the number of weeks you've worked this year. For travel to work, this would be considered if you used your own car or public transport. If you mention on your application that you don't have any expenses for travel to work as you get a lift there, that should be fine.

Ave Sodalis

Is this what will be your average income for the year, or what has been?

Captain Peanuts McDrummie

It will be what you have earned so far this year. The net income will be divided by the number of insurable weeks you have worked so far this year.

Ave Sodalis

Thanks a million