Do you have to pay for prescriptions whilst on ESA

spikeripley

I went on the dwp site and it said you may get help, clicked on the link referred me to section 18 when I clicked on it it said your not allowed access or some such. Does anyone know if I have to pay now Ive been swapped to ESA.

rogerblack

If you are on income-based ESA, you are entitled to help, otherwise not.

I_luv_cats

rogerblack wrote: »

If you are on income-based ESA, you are entitled to help, otherwise not.

You will need to get a HC1 form if on ESA (C)

Money, tax and benefits



Health costs


Most National Health Service (NHS) treatment is free but there can be charges for some things. You may be able to get help with NHS health costs if for example you're on a low income.

What is covered

You may be able to get help with health costs like:

• NHS prescription charges
• NHS dental treatment, including check-ups
• sight tests
• vouchers towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses
• travel costs to and from hospital for NHS treatment under the care of a consultant or on referral by a doctor or dentist
• wigs and fabric supports, such as abdominal and spinal supports

Who is eligible

You may get help with the cost of charges if at least one of the following applies.
You are getting or are included in an award of:

• Income Support
• income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit Guaranteed Credit
• Child Tax Credit, or Working Tax Credit with a disability or severe disability element

You may also get help with the cost of charges if:

• you are named on a valid NHS Exemption Certificate (HC2 for full help, HC3 for partial help with the cost excluding prescriptions)
• you're 60 or over (for NHS prescriptions and NHS sight tests)
• you're under 16, under 18 for NHS dental treatment
• you're under 19 and still in full-time education
• you suffer from a listed medical condition (for free NHS prescriptions only), for more information contact the Health Cost advice line on 0845 850 1166
• you have a maternity exemption certificate (for NHS dental treatment and NHS prescription charges)
• you get a war or service disablement pension or need prescriptions or NHS treatment for your accepted disability
• you're a prisoner in England

• Income Support

• Jobseeker's Allowance

Help if you're on a low income

NHS Low Income Scheme


If none of the above apply and you're on a low income you may be able to get help through the NHS Low Income Scheme.
The amount of help you get will depend on the amount of income you have. You may not be entitled to any help if your savings are above the limits shown below.


How to claim

You'll need to complete form HC1 from a Jobcentre Plus office or NHS hospital. You may also be able to get an HC1 from your doctor, dentist or optician.
You can also get an HC1 form by contacting the Health Cost advice line on 0845 850 1166.