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Keeping a medical card after unemployment

If you are returning to work, you may be able to keep your card for 3 years. This can be from when you start employment to when your benefits end.

You must have been receiving a full social protection payment or government employment scheme payment for 12 consecutive months.

You will need to submit a new medical card application stating you are applying on this basis.

Part-time work or other change in employment status

If you start part-time work after you've been unemployed for 12 months or more, you may keep your medical card for 3 years.

If you begin a Government approved or sponsored incentive schemes (CE Schemes) you may continue to keep your medical card.

Dependent family members

Dependent family members may qualify to keep their card, even if they become employed during this 3 year period.

After 3 years

If you receive the card for 3 years and continue working, your eligibility will be assessed using the normal guidelines.

If there are any changes to your employment status, contact us.