Free dental treatment?

Sewsosew

I hope that this is the correct place for my query.

I receive DLA and ESA (contribution based) and I'm having fairly complicated dental treatment. When I was asked if I received any benefits I told them what I got and when asked for proof of the ESA I gave the practice copies of the paperwork I had.

I was surprised to be told that my treatment would be free! I thought that this only applied to income based ESA but maybe the rules have changed. My worry is that at some point I will be asked to pay what I should have been charged for in the first place. At one point when I was considering the treatment the dentist even said "Don't worry, it's free.".

Can anyone advise please? Has this happened to anyone else? Thanks.

Caz3121

if you were not receiving contribution based, would you receive income based. eg no savings over £16k and no working partner? you can receive free treatment if you have an underlying entitlement to income based ESA

pretzelnut

Ask the dentists to put in writing that they have seen your paperwork and have said your treatment is free.

I would go with what they say, after all they do it everyday.

Sewsosew

Thanks both. No, Caz3121, I wouldn't qualify for income based ESA. My husband is retired with a reasonable pension and have managed to accrue more than £16K in savings (we're not mean just prudent).

I think I may just do as you suggest, pretzelnut, and ask for something in writing.

pretzelnut

I have learnt the hard way that tailing their word for it isn't enough You need to have written evidence.

Torry_Quine

Contribution based ESA doesn't give you access to free dental care and as you wouldn't get income based you have claimed it wrongly.

Poppie68

If the NHS pays the dentist for this treatment be prepared for the NHS to try and claim this money back from yourself.
As my daughter who is a dental nurse has said they can offer limited advice in regards to benefits and free dental care and always advise their patients if they are unsure call the relevant people to clarify.

Saversue

I don't think you are entitled to free treatment.
It is most likely that the dentist didn't notice you get Contribution Based ESA or is not aware of the difference, after all their job is to fix teeth not police the Benefits System.
Am afraid It's up to you to find out by contacting them or looking up information.
I would find out the expected cost and be prepared to pay.
Sorry I know it's hideously expensive especially if having Bridge work etc.

Sewsosew

Thanks everyone. I have another appointment in a couple of weeks and I'll raise it again.

After my last check-up, when the current treatment was started, I spoke to the Practice Manager and it was she who said to give them copies of my entitlement papers so they could see them. I marked the type of ESA with a highlighter pen so they should have all the relevant information.

It's not that I don't want to pay for the treatment but I like to be able to budget properly.

nannytone_2

a manager at a sental practice is unqualified to give you advice on benefits. she knows no more than the girl on the checkout at tesco!

as has been said. if you would not qualify for income based ESA, then you wont qualify automatically for free dental treatment.
if you have a low household income, you may qualify on these grounds.
you need to complete form HC! for free treatment on low income grounds

jacques_chirac

Sewsosew wrote: »

It's not that I don't want to pay for the treatment but I like to be able to budget properly.

Then tell them they are mistaken and pay for it?