Dental charges while on ESA

mouse_

I have been on JSA and receiving free dental treatment. I recently became ill and had to transfer to ESA (the old incapacity benefit) until I am well again. I went for my usual check up at the dentist this morning and discovered that ESA isn't exempt and I will have to pay dental charges. This seems a little unfair considering JSA forced me onto ESA and the basic rate I am getting is the same as JSA. Anyone know why this is or if there's a way around it? Thanks.

healy

If it is income based ESA it is still free. If it is contribution based ESA you can still apply for free/reduced costs by using form HC1, your Dentist/Doctor may have the form or the local Jobcentre Plus.

Toothsmith

Filling in an HC1 form which will get you a certificate of partial/full exemption if your income & savings are low enough.

Cozworth806

If you have already paid then I think it is form HC5 to reclaim costs incurred.

mouse_

Thanks for that. I haven't paid as I had to cancel the appointment due to not having enough money at the moment to pay for the check up and polish.

NASA_2

They didnt 'force' you onto ESA - somewhere along the line you must have indicated an illness or disability and gone to the doctor to get a sickline - to blame DWP for that is silly.

If your entitled to the same rate or more of ESA(C) as you are ESA(IR) then you dont automatically get free dental care.

warpcorechicken

NASA wrote: »

They didnt 'force' you onto ESA - somewhere along the line you must have indicated an illness or disability and gone to the doctor to get a sickline - to blame DWP for that is silly.

If your entitled to the same rate or more of ESA(C) as you are ESA(IR) then you dont automatically get free dental care.

Wow, you have nice NHS bedside manner.

The point the OP made is very fair. If a person is put on C based (ESA) it's probably 'cause they worked their *ss off and paid their taxes.

A person on I based (ESA) had not paid enough NI contributions, go figure. Both are paid the same weekly amount of ESA but the person who did not pay enough NI contributions is entitled to free dental care? Fair?

Am I missing the point here?