How do I get help with cost of glasses - on Income Support

lisamummytoarchieplusbump

sunnyone wrote: »

while we were waiting in specsavers I saw a couple who were asked what grounds they were claiming a free eye test, they said tax credits and produced a card like my prescription pre payment card as proof.

Does everyone who claims tax credits get a card for free glasses?

i know you get 1 when your pregnant and i think if you have certain illnesses but i dont think its just for being on tax credits as mine expired that i got when i was pregnant and i havent recieved another 1

Indie_Kid

Sunny - you need to be earning under a certain amount and either get the disability element of claiming CTC too, to get the exemption card.

Verdana

Thanks guys for all the replies, i'll be popping into Boots and Specsavers tomorrow, that discount sounds good lisamummytoarchieplusbump, I have a budget of about 120 maximum and that'll keep it well under control.

sunnyone

The card looked identicle to my prescription pre payment card sh, I have never claimed tax credits are the cards very similar?

Indie_Kid

Yes they do look similar, Sunnyone.

Dontknowanymore

lisamummytoarchieplusbump wrote: »

ive just got my glasses im on income support. i went with specsavers as i only popped in there to see what proof i needed and they just ticked the box to say they havent seen proof of my award done a free eye test and got £65 off the cost of glasses with the voucher

i chose £85 glasses so only had to pay £20 towards them

they have a list on their display saying about NHS voucher and saying what price the glasses you choose will be after the voucher so

heres the link
http://www.specsavers.co.uk/offers/NHS/

This is what I did.
They didnt ask for proof.

Verdana

Well no such luck for me. I went to Boots for the glasses I had my eye on (pun intended), and got told that I'd have to go back to D&A to ask for a voucher as I had my eyes tested there. The lady at D&A said I would need proof but since I had none, all I could do was pay for my glasses in full and then try to claim for a refund through the form HC5.

If anyone knows who to ring to apply for the exemption certificate required for the voucher, please let me know the number or the department, for the future.

Indie_Kid

What exemption certificate? The optician is the one who issues the voucher.

Verdana

sh1305 wrote: »

What exemption certificate? The optician is the one who issues the voucher.

She said i'd need proof in the form of a letter specifically detailing my entitlements, or a NHS tax credit exemption certificate. Only then would she give me a voucher. I do have a Maternity exemption certificate but that doesn't cover cost of optical charges.

AzimScot

I tried to get help with costs when unemployed, however I got declined due to my wife working.