Entitlements and Supports Available

Whether you are a person with Parkinson’s or a care partner, it is important that you are claiming all entitlements that you are eligible for, and availing of all supports available to you.

Long-Term Illness Scheme (LTIS)

Upon diagnosis, the first thing that many people will have to consider is treatment for their Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s is one of the conditions covered under the LTIS. The LTIS is one of the most important schemes to avail of, as the entitlements are automatic rather that means tested. Under the LTIS, some drugs, medicines and medical appliances are free.

Further details on the LTIS, including details on how to apply, are contained here.

Medical Cards & GP Visit Cards

Certain people may qualify for a medical card.

A medical card provides the entitlement to obtain certain health services for free.

There is no automatic entitlement to a medical card. You may qualify in one of three ways:

1. Means tested based on your income.
2. A discretionary medical card based on an assessment to determine: ‘if your circumstances would result in financial hardship without one’.
3. Other circumstance: e.g. people with a EU entitlement

Further details on medical cards, including how to apply, are contained here.

If you do not qualify for a medical card, then you may qualify for a GP visit card, or you may have coverage under private health insurance.

Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability

This grant provides funding to improve how you enter and move around your home, in order to make it more accessible.

This can include, for example:

• Extending your home to create more space, for example, adding a downstairs bedroom.
• Adding accessible bathroom facilities.
• Installing a stair lift.
• Installing grab rails.

Further details on the grant amounts, eligibility, and how to apply are contained here.

Mobility Aids Grant Scheme

The Mobility Aids Grant Scheme provides grants for minor works, designed to address mobility problems in the home. For example, the grant can be used for the purchase and installation of a level access shower.

Further details on this grant can be found here.

Seniors Alert Scheme

The Seniors Alert Scheme provides a grant support for the supply of equipment, to enable older people without sufficient means to continue to live securely in their homes. The grant is towards the purchase and installation of monitored personal alarms.

Further details on this grant can be found here.

Free Travel Scheme

Some people with Parkinson’s and/or their care partners will qualify for the Free Travel Scheme.

The Free Travel Scheme allows free of charge travel on public transport owned by the State, such as Irish Rail.

Everyone aged 66 and over, living permanently in Ireland, qualifies for the Free Travel Scheme.

People with disabilities and their care partners aged under 66 may also qualify for free travel. This additional entitlement was introduced in July 2024. You will qualify if you:

• Have never been able to drive due to a disability; or
• Have a driving licence and are medically certified as ‘not fit to drive’ for at least 12 months.

Further details on this scheme can be found here.

Nursing Home Support (“Fair Deal Scheme”)

This is a scheme which provides financial support for people in need of long-term nursing home care. Under the scheme, a contribution to the cost of the care is required by the person in need of care. This contribution will be based on their means. Further details on the scheme are available here.

Social Protection Payments, Grants and Benefits

A person with Parkinson’s and/or their care partner, may be entitled to some social protection payments depending on their particular circumstances. These include:

• Carer’s Allowance
• Carer’s Benefit
• Carer’s Leave
• Carer’s Support Grant 
• Household Benefits Package
• Disability Allowance
• Illness Benefit
• Invalidity Pension
• Supplementary Welfare Allowance
• Partial Capacity Benefit

Tax Credits and Reliefs

A person with Parkinson’s or someone affected by the condition, may qualify for certain tax credits and reliefs depending on their circumstances.

• Tax relief on medical expenses
• Home Carer Tax Credit
• Dependent Relative Tax Credit
• Tax Relief for Employing a Carer

* The aim of this page is to provide a high-level summary of the main entitlements and supports available, and to signpost the reader to more detailed information. Please consult the relevant organisations mentioned above for more detailed information.