Entitlements

People with arthritis and their families or carers may be eligible for a range of benefits and entitlements. To find out more:

• Contact your local Citizen's Information Centre and speak to the Information Officer there to get more information.
• Look up CitizensInformation.ie to find out the location of your nearest Citizen's Information Centre.
• Order your copy of "Entitlements for People with Disabilities" from Comhairle or your local Citizen's Information Centre or you can download it here.
• Look up OASIS on www.oasis.gov.ie to find clear, straightforward information on almost any topic - social services, health services, tax, housing, education, employment etc. It also helps you to find the service points nearest to you e.g. health centre, Social Welfare Local Office etc.

Medical Card

• A medical card may be applied for on your child's behalf on grounds of medical hardship.
• It is not means-tested and the family income is not taken into account.
• Contact your GP or local HSE office to get an application form.

Tax Refund on Medical Expenses

• A Tax refund (at your highest rate) may be claimed for certain medical expenses incurred for yourself, your spouse, dependents, and certain relatives.
• Apply on forms Med 1 and Med 2 (dental).
• The first €125 (or €250 for a family) of expenses are not refundable.

 Disabled Driver's Parking Card

• The Disabled Person's Parking Card is for people with disabilities whether they are drivers or passengers and allows them to park at parking meters and in disc parking areas free of charge.
• It is valid for 2 years from the date of issue and applies to the person rather than the car.
• Application forms are available from:   
  1. The Disabled Drivers' Association of Ireland, Ballindine, Co. Mayo tel: 094 936 4266/4054
  2. Irish Wheelchair Association, National Mobility Centre, Ballingappa Road, Clane, Co. Kildare tel: 045 893 094 or visit www.iwa.ie