question, filling out back of prescription form

KARO

I have a question regarding filling out the back of my prescription form, and I wondered if anyone on here can advise. I’ve been having this conversation with my local pharmacy and we’re both of a different opinion as to what I should put! Basically the situation is as follows:

I don’t have to pay for my prescriptions because my partner is in receipt of income-related welfare support (ESA), and I am included in the claim, as we’re both living together. I am his carer and reliant upon my partner’s benefits.

So, I tick box H (no problem!)

Now, underneath the boxes there’s a bit which says *name, date of birth, NI number.
And underneath is an explanation of the asterisk which reads:
I am included in an award of income-based [whatever it is]. Print the name of the person who gets the benefit.

This is where the confusion is.

I think that as it is my partner’s claim, I should put HIS name, NI number, and date of birth in these three fields

(I have put my own name there before and subsequently been chased up by the prescriptions authority because they couldn’t find our ESA/income support claim under my NI number The same happens when I need to go to the dentist, - I need to get the DWP to write a special letter with my name on it, because none of the DWP correspondence which details his claim has my name on, just his, hence I can’t otherwise prove my entitlement).

The chemist, however, thinks that I should put my own name in these fields.


Does anyone on here work in this area and know for sure whose name should go in the box? Or is anyone else in this situation and has to fill out the forms?

Sorry it’s a bit long-winded, I hope I’ve explained it clearly enough!

KARO

If it helps, here is the form (copied from google)

kirtondm

I work in optics so similar field. I am not sure you are entitled to tick H as you are signing to say YOU receive the benefit which I understand is not the case. If the benefit was entitled to be claimed under partner it would specify as in S.


You are probably eligible under the HC2 certificate but would need to complete the form.


That would follow with the dentists in that you don't have entitlement so hence hard to prove but the DWP have calculated you would be entitled under HC2 arrangements hence the letter?


I would personally get a HC2 certificate every year in your position.

KARO

kirtondm wrote: »

I work in optics so similar field. I am not sure you are entitled to tick H as you are signing to say YOU receive the benefit which I understand is not the case. If the benefit was entitled to be claimed under partner it would specify as in S.


You are probably eligible under the HC2 certificate but would need to complete the form.


That would follow with the dentists in that you don't have entitlement so hence hard to prove but the DWP have calculated you would be entitled under HC2 arrangements hence the letter?


I would personally get a HC2 certificate every year in your position.

Well, thanks for replying but:

S is for people getting pension credit, so definitely not S..
H is the correct box (see the asterisk)

The benefits claim is for my partner and myself (as a couple), it's just that my partner's name is the one which appears on the DWP letters.

I can't get an HC2 certificate because I'm on income support (or the modern equivalent of..) so that's not an option.



It's ridiculous really. I am entitled to free prescriptions, dental treatment, opticians, etc but unless I ask for a letter to be written which includes my name on it, I have no way of proving it, because my name is not usually on the letters.

Its all a bit kafka-esque..

purple45

I am in the same situation and I tick H and put my partners details in the boxes. I have never had any issues with this at any chemist.

It is really weird to never be named on anything!

spikyspiky

Hi, I work in a pharmacy, have done for years. You write the name, date of birth and NI number of the person claiming the benefit in those boxes, presuming you are included on their claim as you have said. If the claim is in your name then you would write your name, date of birth and NI number.
Hope that helps. I have always thought that the back of scripts could be so much clearer. I spend all day long explaining them to customers

pmduk

KARO wrote: »

I can't get an HC2 certificate because I'm on income support (or the modern equivalent of..) so that's not an option.

I can't see why you can't apply for an HC2, it's what I've done recently.

j.e.j.

When I was on income support it wouldn't allow you to apply for an HC2 certificate because being on income support meant that you were automatically entitled to free nhs prescriptions, etc anyway, so the certificate would be redundant.

Not sure if this is what OP is on.

Re the boxes, I'd say put the name of the person whose name is on the benefit claim (ie your partners)

rugbymum

The incredibly tiny print next to the asterisk States you should fill in the details of the person receiving the benefit.
Although you both receive the benefit, your partner is deemed by DWP to be the claimant, as is evidenced by all letters being addressed to him.
You are right to fill in his details. If the Pharmacist disagrees again, I suggest you explain that you have previously received correspondence stating that "your" claim couldn't be found.
Any further disagreements with them, perhaps a new Pharmacy?
HTH