On OPFP - take up employment - do I keep med card?

dubinamerica

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Hi I've been on OPFP for over 2 years now and I've been just offered a full time position. I will actually be lucky to break even for the first six months but after that I hope that salary will increase and childcare will go down.. The salary is 30K and I am wondering will I be able to retain my medical card? My oldest girl is in college and she also gets medical card because I am a card holder. Someone mentioned to me if you've been on OPFP you can keep it for up to 3 years - is that correct?
 
From the Medical Card FAQs on hse.ie

People who have been unemployed or in receipt of One Parent Family Payment for a minimum of 12 months will retain their Medical Card for a period of 3 years if they commence employment
When a person who has been unemployed for a period of 12 months or more enters part-time employment, their medical card will be retained for a period of 3 years from the date their income increases to a level which exceeds the appropriate Medical Card Guideline

So you will be able to keep your card.
You must also notify OPFP section or the SW office dealing with your claim, as your income will be assessed as means and will affect your entitlement to OPFP.
 
Thanks for that info do I need to tell HSE in advance or does it just come up on renewal do you know ? Any advice appreciated as just a bit worried I'll let something drop. thanks
 
Probably best to let them know so they can re-set your review date if necessary.