Government unveils grant for hair replacements

Salons can sign up to new scheme that offers support from May next year  

The Irish government is launching a new grant that offers financial support towards the cost of wigs, hairpieces or hair replacement systems for people who suffer hair loss due to illness on 28 May 2023.

The grant amount is for the full cost of one hair replacement item per calendar year, up to a maximum cost of €500. It falls under the Department of Social Protection’s Treatment Benefit Scheme and supports those suffering hair loss as a result of cancer or forms of alopecia.  

If you provide a hair replacement service and wish to be part of the new scheme, you will need to apply to the department for a contract. The application requires tax compliance and revenue clearance of such, proof of public liability insurance, operating from a suitable premises that is open to the public during normal business hours, and your bank account details for payment purposes. 
 
Once you have a contract, you will be given a “panel” number which you will use to log-in to WelfarePartners, where you can check a client’s eligibility and submit claims for the hair replacement product you provide.  
 
For more information, contact the Department of Social Protection’s Treatment Benefit Section on 074 9164530 or email anne.quinn@welfare.ie.