Medical Card/G.P. Visit Card National Assessment Guidelines

A decision to allow childcare costs as an outgoing should only be taken after sufficient
and reasoned assessment of all the circumstances of the case. The assessment should
ensure that the costs claimed are reasonable, are being incurred and appropriate
documentary evidence should be provided.
In deciding reasonable costs cognisance should be taken of local prevailing rates as set
out in each LHO area. Due consideration should be given to the family size, age of the
child and the type of care required e.g. full day care, sessional care etc.
Please Note: The Early Childcare Supplement is to be disregarded in the Medical
Card assessment process.
3.2.3 Travel to work costs
Outgoings in respect of travel costs to and from work are allowable. The full cost of
public transport is allowed for travel to/from work. Where public transport is not
available or suitable and a car is required reasonable travel costs will be allowed as set
out hereunder:
- 18c per km/30c per mile to cover running costs.
- Weekly amount of €50 to cover standing charges (depreciation and running
costs). (Confirmation of ownership of the car is necessary to avail of the €50 to
cover standing charges e.g. Registration Certificate issued by the Revenue
Commissioners).
- It should be noted that car pooling arrangements and any contribution towards
costs should be taken into account.
- In the case of a couple where they require two cars to travel to work and meet the
above requirements a double allowance should apply.
- The rate per km/mile does not contain any element towards parking costs and
where they are an issue they should be included on an actual cost basis.
When considering the above due regard should be taken of the following:
- The distance between the person’s residence and work address.
Medical Card GP Visit Card National Assessment Guidelines Version 3 21 05 09.doc 12