There were over 500 local recipients of the hair replacement benefit scheme since 2022. The data was released through a parliamentary question submitted by Longford TD Sorca Clarke to the Department of Social Protection. The hair replacement benefit scheme was introduced in 2022 and assists people who have suffered hair loss due to a disease or treatment of one, such as cancer. It consists of an annual benefit of up to €500 to people who satisfy the medical requirements, to help them purchase a hair replacement product, such as wigs.
There were 526 recipients of such grants across the Shannonside region since its introduction. This includes 243 in Co. Roscommon, 143 in Co. Leitrim and 140 in Co. Longford. The figures show there's been a steady increase of locals availing of the scheme year-on-year. Nationally, there were 4,960 claims in 2025, costing the State just over €2.4 million.
