Those suffering from hair loss in Ireland will be able to benefit from a new government scheme launching this week.
The support will be made available to help with the cost of wigs and hairpieces for people who suffer from hair loss due to disease.
Those who are eligible for the payment will receive up to €500 and will be available once every calendar year to support people towards the cost of non-surgical hair replacement.
Read More: Irish holidaymakers warned over 'very serious' infection that can be caught in hotels
This amount can be added to by the person if they wish to purchase a more expensive product.
Hair loss is a common issue among people that can be caused by a number of different medical conditions including autoimmune diseases such as alopecia or systemic conditions like cancer.
Speaking in the Dail on February 3 this year, Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys said: “I recognise not only the physical impact but also the psychological impact, that sudden hair loss can have on a person’s life.
“I hope that this new grant will contribute to improving the quality of life of those who need it. It will only be available for hair loss in respect of a disease and not due to ageing or other natural causes. Approximately 2.25 million people qualify for Treatment Benefit.”
She went on to say that it is difficult to estimate the level of take-up of this new benefit and referenced the fact that 25,000 people get diagnosed with invasive cancer annually and it is anticipated that up to 2,000 of them may apply for the grant.
From this Saturday, you can get up to €500 for one hair replacement item such as a hairpiece or wig, in each calendar year, however, it does not cover surgical or topical treatments.
To be considered eligible, hair loss must be as a result of a disease or treatment of a disease such as cancer or alopecia.
The types of alopecia covered are:
- Alopecia areata (which includes alopecia totalis or universalis, diffuse alopecia areata, alopecia ophiasis)
- Primary scarring alopecias (cicatricial alopecias)
- Frontal fibrosing alopecia and lichen planopilaris (scarring alopecia)
- Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (anagen effluvium)
- Alopecia resulting from surgery or trauma, including burns
How to apply
Claims are made through your provider, who can check your entitlement in advance of treatment and claim payment afterwards.
Your provider will require some information to identify you, such as your date of birth and PPS number.
If eligible, you send your receipts to the Treatment Benefit Section along with a letter containing your contact information and details of your bank account (account name, number and sort code) into which payment will be made.
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
