Income based JSA and eye tests

Shazza50

My son is claiming the above and says he needs to have an eye test. How does he go about this? Does he just take his letter from the job centre? How much help will he get towards glasses should he need them?

healy

He can get free eye tests and free specs from a certain range while on Jobseekers allowance. He should take a Jobseekers award letter with him when he goes to his appointment, otherwise he may be charged. If, once he has had the test, he finds that he needs glasses, but there's none he likes, he can ask for his prescription and take it to a different optician, so he can choose glasses he does like. He can also choose a more expensive pair and use his prescription value as part payment towards them.

Mrs_Thrify

Can I ask? I have had my interview with JC and now waiting for the letter to say if i can have any money. Wile I wait can I have a free eye test? also is there a voucher because I have signed on towards the cost of new glasses?


Thank you for all help.

alwaysonthego_2

Julie are you claiming income based or contribution based JSA?

loisa

Hi Julie, you can either wait for your claim to go through or have the test and pay for it. If you keep the receipt you can claim it back later (assuming you are eligible) by filling out form HC5 available from the jobcentre.

If you are on contribution based but also have low income & savings you will need a HC1 form and you will get a certificate (HC2), you can also submit any claims at the same time but the process can take a few weeks. I think income based you just show the letter.

Shazza50 - Not entirely sure but I think I was told that the value of the voucher depends on the strength of the precription

Mrs_Thrify

Hiya, I am not realy sure? I think it could be income based as I have just left employment of 17 mths.

loisa

By the way, you don't need to be on benefits to get a HC2 certificate, I had one while I was a full-time student.