The Drugs Payment Scheme caps what your family pays for prescribed medicines at €80 a month. Here is who it covers and how to register with the HSE.
With a Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) card, your family pays no more than €80 a month for approved prescribed medicines and some appliances. You register with the HSE (Health Service Executive) online at mydps.ie, and there is no means test.
Who this is for
- Anyone living in Ireland who plans to stay for at least 1 year
- People who do not have a medical card. Medical card holders cannot join.
- Families who spend, or may spend, more than €80 in a month on medicines
| Person | Included? |
|---|---|
| You and your spouse or partner | Yes |
| Children under 18 | Yes |
| Children aged 18 to 23 in full-time education | Yes, with proof from the school or college |
| A family member who cannot support themselves because of a disability or illness | Yes, with a medical report |
| Anyone else over 18 not in full-time education | No, they need their own card |
What you need
- Full name, date of birth and sex of each person
- The PPS (Personal Public Service) number of each person
- Your address and contact details
- Your current DPS card number, if you already have one
- Proof you live in Ireland, such as a current electricity bill
- Proof of full-time education for anyone aged 18 to 23, stamped by the school or college
Step by step
- Gather the PPS numbers and details of everyone you want on the card.
- Go to mydps.ie from the HSE apply page and fill in the online form.
- If you prefer paper, download the form and post it to Drugs Payment Scheme, Eligibility Unit, PO Box 11745, Dublin 11.
- Or email a scan or clear photo of the paper form to pcrs.applications@hse.ie.
- Download the HSE Health App. Your digital card appears there before your letter arrives.
- Show your card or app at the pharmacy each time you collect medicines.
- Use the same pharmacy each month so it can keep your total at €80.
- Check the Valid to date on your card and apply again before it expires.
How much it costs and how long it takes
The HSE does not publish a processing time. Incomplete forms take longer. Plastic card production is disrupted for now, so you will get a letter with your card details and a digital card in the HSE Health App.
Since 1 June 2025, DPS card holders prescribed HRT (hormone replacement therapy) can get it free at participating pharmacies.
Common mistakes
- Using two pharmacies in one month. You may pay over €80 and must then claim a refund with the HSE refund form.
- Leaving out a family member. Each person needs a card to count towards your €80.
- Keeping a student aged 18 to 23 on your card without proof of full-time education.
- Letting your card expire without reapplying.
- Forgetting a new baby. Email nmcu.cod@hse.ie with the birth certificate and proof of the PPS number to add them.
The DPS card is only for people on low incomes.
There is no means test. Anyone living in Ireland for at least a year can register, unless they already have a medical card. It is worth getting even if you rarely spend €80, in case of a sudden illness.
If something goes wrong
- DPS Client Registration Unit: 0818 224 478, or clientregistration@hse.ie.
- Lost or stolen card: contact the DPS team and they can give you your card details.
- HSE Live: Freephone 1800 700 700, Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm.
- Citizens Information Phone Service: 0818 07 4000, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm.
Related guides
- How to get a Long-Term Illness card
- How to apply for a medical card or GP visit card
- How to claim tax back on medical expenses
- How to get a PPS number
No change to the €80 monthly limit was announced in Budget 2027 (6 October 2026). Check the HSE page in January 2027.
