why cant i get a free eye test on contributions based JSA?

stubacca75

why cant i get a free eye test when im on contributions based JSA?
any ideas please!

GlasweJen

You only get free eye tests on income based benefits. If you're on low income you should get an HC1 form and apply for help with health costs. You get HC1 from opticians, pharmacies and dentists.

the-mango

tesco do free eye ttests for everyone

nearlyrich

Or if you have glaucoma in your family?
On contributions based JSA you could have millions in the bank so no freebies allowed!

Purplekylie22

Cant see your location, but I'm pretty sure that if you are in Scotland everyone gets a free eye test regardless of your benefits. Same with free prescriptions.

GlasweJen

In Scotland we do have free sight tests for everyone but they can only be claimed every 2 years, you only get a voucher for help towards your glasses if you are on income related benefits.

HONEYMONSTER

Contribution based Jobseekers allowance is not a means tested benefit so you could have oodles of money in the bank, unlike those who are on income based Jobseekers Allowance, whcih means they have nothing!

However, you can apply for assistance with prescriptions, dental treat, opticians and medical appointment travel fees if you have a low income.

If you are on a low income you may be eligible to receive financial help through the NHS Low Income Scheme. To apply for an HC2 certificate, you should complete form HC1, which is available from Jobcentre Plus offices or most NHS hospitals. Your doctor, dentist or optician may be able to give you one, too. You can also get an HC1 form by calling 0845 610 1112.

Whether you qualify for help is based on a comparison between your weekly income and assessed requirements at the time the claim is made. For more information about requirements visit NHS: help with health costs.

You could qualify for a full help HC2 certificate (which includes free NHS prescriptions, free NHS dental treatment, free NHS sight tests etc) if your income is less than or equal to your requirements, or your income is greater than your requirements by no more than half the current English prescription charge.

You may not get the full exemption certificate (HC2) but only a partial one, depending on your income (they may take into account a Partners income)

Hope this helps.

Sharon87

I think it's silly too. Especially for someone like me who will be entitled to income based contributions as I have no partner, but have been put on contributions based as I've paid enough NI contributions. It just means I can't claim anything like free medical care.

MissSarah1972

HONEYMONSTER wrote: »

Contribution based Jobseekers allowance is not a means tested benefit so you could have oodles of money in the bank, unlike those who are on income based Jobseekers Allowance, whcih means they have nothing!



.

Not totally true. You get put on Income Based JSA when your NI runs out after 26 weeks of your first claim. You can still have up to and less than £16k in the bank and be on income based jsa.

So if you have not paid the full two years of NI you get put on income based JSA and can get free dental and prescriptions right away. Those who have worked non stop and paid full ni for the last two years have to wait 6 mths till they get put on income based jsa to get this.

HONEYMONSTER

MissSarah1972 wrote: »

Not totally true. You get put on Income Based JSA when your NI runs out after 26 weeks of your first claim. You can still have up to and less than £16k in the bank and be on income based jsa.

So if you have not paid the full two years of NI you get put on income based JSA and can get free dental and prescriptions right away. Those who have worked non stop and paid full ni for the last two years have to wait 6 mths till they get put on income based jsa to get this.

Fair point but then you are not on contribution based JSA but income based.

The point is that if you are receiving Contribution based JSA and it is your only income and ineffect you get no more than if you were on Income based JSA, you have to apply for the help with dental/prescription charges whereas if you get the Income based benefit you get it automatically.