JSA and eye test/ glasses

helliesin

I started claiming JSA about 7 weeks ago. As I am working part-time I am not entitled to any actual payments at the moment, but I do get my 'credits' (I assume this is tax and NI?) and I am waiting for the 13 weeks to pass then I should be enttitled to some help with my mortgage.

Am I entitled to help with eye test and glasses/lenses? I am suffering from terrible headaches and am sure its because my glasses and contact lenses need updating. I definitely can't afford to buy new ones at the moment.

If I am entitled, how do I claim this- do I need a voucher/ exemption card or something?

Thanks in advance!

fannyadams

all I did was took my signing on card in to the opticians and asked if they can give me a free eye test and they said yes. I got a voucher towards the glasses (think it was £20 might have been £50) and I took the prescription to tesco and got the glasses made there.

GlasweJen

If you're on contributions based job seekers then you don't get an optical voucher.

If you're on income based job seekers you can get an optical voucher every 2 years but your voucher is only valid when you are due an eye test or if there is a significant clinical change to your prescription.

If you do get a voucher that you are not entitled to you can be fined the cost of the eye test, glasses plus £50. In scotland that equals £134.50 minimum (vouchers go on a sliding scale depending on prescription).