Are you self-employed in Ireland? Changes to the Budget now entitle you to free dental and optical check-ups….
Changes in the last Budget mean that all classes of Irish PRSI employees will once again, benefit from a free dental and optical check-up – something omitted by the previous government. Since 27th March of this year, an estimated 2.5 million people are entitled to free dental and optical check-ups.
Prior to these changes, those who were self-employed and paid a different class of PRSI did not have access to free dental and optical check-ups or examinations.
Working for yourself will also extend these changes to your spouse, who can attend regular dental and optical examinations for free. This particular benefit has never been made available until now. You will also be offered a free scale and polish (deep clean of your teeth to remove plaque and tartar) by your dental hygienist.
According to Leo Varadkar, Social Protection Minister, 380,000 self-employed people will fall into the PRSI category for the first time, joining the 2.2 million who already benefit. He said:
”They will have new benefits extended to them, including treatment benefit such as free eye and dental tests for the first time, and access to the safety-net of State income supports if they have a serious illness or injury that prevents them from working without having to go through a means test.”
