Q.  I am going back to work after a period of unemployment. Can I keep my medical card?

16.05.12

If you are receiving a social welfare payment and return to work (either full- or part-time) you may retain your medical card for up to 3 years even if your income is above the limits. You must have been getting one of the following payments for 12 months or more: Jobseeker's Benefit; Jobseeker's Allowance; One-Parent Family Payment; Illness Benefit; Disability Allowance; Blind Pension, or have been on an employment incentive scheme or educational opportunity scheme

If you take up full-time employment you will retain your medical card for 3 years from the date you start work. If you take up part-time employment the 3-year period starts from the date your income exceeds the relevant medical card guideline.

This provision also applies to people who are involved in Government-sponsored schemes including the Back to Education Allowance, Back to Work Enterprise Allowance, JobBridge (the national internship scheme) the Rural Social Scheme, Tús and Community Employment schemes.

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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