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On cont based ESA can I get help with prescriptions/dental etc

Hi

I am currently on contribution based ESA £71 per week and have been on ESA since Jan 2012. I receive HB and CT benefit and have £15.00 personal pension a month. This is my only income. I have no savings.

Monthly I have to get a prescription. In addition I really need a dental check up and my eyes needtesting and I fear I need a new prescription for my glasses.

Am I entitled to any help with this at all- getting problems with my sight now.

Thank you for any advice.

Comments

  • Mara69
    Mara69 Posts: 1,409 Forumite
    I don't think so, no. Buy a pre payment prescription certificate (about £10 a month). Nor are you exempt from paying dental charges or eye tests.
  • von
    von Posts: 541 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    You're not automatically entitled if you're only receiving ESA(Cont) but see attached link for more info: http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcosts/Pages/Eyecarecosts.aspx
  • Tonibee
    Tonibee Posts: 19 Forumite
    Mara69 wrote: »
    I don't think so, no. Buy a pre payment prescription certificate (about £10 a month). Nor are you exempt from paying dental charges or eye tests.

    I'm not qualified to decide your entitlment. However, you can apply for exemption on low income grounds using form HC1 (I think). The means test for free prescriptions is very similiar to other benefits, but can take into account some extra costs, such as your contribution to rent and council tax, so it's definitely worth applying.

    Even if you don't qualify for free prescriptions you should claim anyway because you might get some help towards sight and dental treatment even if you don't qualify for free prescriptions.

    Failing that, the prepayment certficate is an option if you have 14 or more items a year.
  • jayk
    jayk Posts: 262 Forumite
    Thank you all for your replies I will look into pre-payment cert and find out more on the HC1 and check that link.

    Thank you
  • Horseunderwater
    Horseunderwater Posts: 3,406 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    jayk wrote: »
    Thank you all for your replies I will look into pre-payment cert and find out more on the HC1 and check that link.

    Thank you
    If your only income is ESA and HB/CT benefits, why are you on contribution ESA, should you not be on Income related? Or have I missed something? Not only that but the £71/week is the assessment rate, so you are not on the full rate as yet which is £99.15/week. Something not quite right here.
  • jayk
    jayk Posts: 262 Forumite
    Was on cont JSA Dec 2011-Jan 2012. Ill and put onto ESA this is cont based. Not had medical yet was given a date in April for medical. Mother died on date of medical and I sent in the proof needed for that. Not heard anything else from DWP or another medical date yet have been sending in sick notes. Only going by what has been stated in letters as new to benefit setup. Suppose is based on my having paid NI for many years. Not sure.
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