Republic of Ireland Hair Grants

There are two Hair Grants available in the Republic of Ireland - the PRSI Hair Grant and the HSE Hair Grant. Find out more below about each grant, the eligibility requirements and how to apply.

An annual allowance of up to €500 is available for a single hair replacement item, such as a wig or hairpiece, per calendar year. This funding does not extend to topical or surgical procedures.

To be eligible, hair loss must result from a disease or a medical treatment, such as cancer or alopecia. The specific types of alopecia covered include:

• Alopecia areata (including totalis, universalis, diffuse, and ophiasis variants)
• Primary scarring alopecias (cicatricial alopecias)
• Frontal fibrosing alopecia and lichen planopilaris (scarring alopecia)
• Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (anagen effluvium)
• Alopecia stemming from surgery or trauma, including burns

All hairpieces or wigs must be sourced from the Department's authorized list of providers, of which Tresses are one.

To get started, simply contact Tresses with your name and PPS number. Our team will then verify your eligibility through the PRSI system.

Once confirmed, we will send the necessary documentation to you via email, post or WhatsApp. You will need to bring this form to your GP so they can examine your hair loss and tick the relevant condition required for the grant.

Our team handles the completion of your paperwork and submit the application to the PRSI department. It typically takes 2 to 3 days for a deciding officer to grant approval.

Important Grant Information

• HSE Grant: If you are undergoing chemotherapy, you are automatically entitled to a €770 HSE grant.
• Consultations: After your grant is approved, you can book a consultation at our Drogheda salon to choose your wig or hair topper.
• Wait Times: Most clients opt to put their hairpiece on hold until the PRSI grant is processed, which generally takes 2 to 3 weeks.
• Immediate Collection: If you require your hairpiece immediately following your consultation, you can pay for it upfront. We will then reimburse you the grant value once we receive the funds, which usually occurs around the middle of every month.

Please note, if you do not have enough stamps but your husband does they may be able to claim on your behalf.

If you have hair loss after cancer treatment you may choose to get a wig or hair piece. These are also known as hair replacement products.

The HSE will pay €770 a year towards the cost of a wig or hair piece. You do not need to have a medical card to get this allowance.

This allowance is only for people who have hair loss from cancer treatment and the only requirement to apply is a doctors letter.

Eligible conditions

• Alopecia areata (including totalis, universalis, diffuse, and ophiasis variants)
• Primary scarring alopecias (cicatricial alopecias)
• Frontal fibrosing alopecia and lichen planopilaris (scarring alopecia)
• Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (anagen effluvium)
• Alopecia stemming from surgery or trauma, including burns

1. Have a valid HSE Medical Card
2. Receive the form from us (email, post or WhatsApp)
3. Bring the form to your doctor to complete
4. Doctor confirms an eligible hair loss condition
5. Our team completes and processes your paperwork
6. Application is submitted to your local HSE office
7. Approval process takes approximately 2-3 weeks
8. Receive confirmation and purchase order number
9. Book your consultation
10. Choose your wig or hair topper