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Update: Dental & Opthalmic Benefit 16th July 2014

16th July 2014 - Bernard Durkan TD

Question No: 419                               Ref No: 31639-14
To the Minister for Social Protection
To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the length of time taken to process applications for dental or ophthalmic benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
– Bernard J. Durkan.
*    For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 15th July, 2014.

R E P L Y
Minister for Social Protection (Joan Burton T.D):
Optical and dental benefit is normally paid directly to the practitioner who provided the examination to the qualified person. Claims received in one calendar month are paid in the subsequent month, with payment sent to the practitioner’s bank account on the second Friday of the month.  

Applications from individuals to establish if an entitlement exists, which account for approximately 25% of the total claims are usually dealt within with 7-10 days.  
ENDS