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ESA and Prescription charges

mancunian_maestro
Posts: 2 Newbie
I'm in a desperate place and could really use some help.
I am on an ESA benefit and also receive PIP.
My CPN told me that as I was a recipient of ESA benefits I no longer needed to pay for my prescriptions. Up until that point I had a Pre-payment system.
I recently had a tooth out and on the form ticked the box for the ESA option. I also collected my monthly supply of medications again ticking the ESA option.
This week I have been sent two letters saying that I don't qualify. I have been asked to repay each of the claims PLUS £100 per "false claim". The total is just short of £300.
I'm told that "This is because your award letter shows you receive a contributions based benefit which does not automatically entitle you to free NHS prescriptions." and "If payment is not made by 10/12/2017 a surcharge will be added."
My CPN didn't check this or advise me to look. I didn't even know that there were 2 types of ESA
I can't pay this, I simply don't have the funds.
I'm also concerned that as I have been ticking the box for months on my prescription charges and for a pair of Glasses that if more checks are made I'll really be royally screwed.
I'm beside myself with worry.
Has anyone else been in this situation?
I'd appreciate any help
I am on an ESA benefit and also receive PIP.
My CPN told me that as I was a recipient of ESA benefits I no longer needed to pay for my prescriptions. Up until that point I had a Pre-payment system.
I recently had a tooth out and on the form ticked the box for the ESA option. I also collected my monthly supply of medications again ticking the ESA option.
This week I have been sent two letters saying that I don't qualify. I have been asked to repay each of the claims PLUS £100 per "false claim". The total is just short of £300.
I'm told that "This is because your award letter shows you receive a contributions based benefit which does not automatically entitle you to free NHS prescriptions." and "If payment is not made by 10/12/2017 a surcharge will be added."
My CPN didn't check this or advise me to look. I didn't even know that there were 2 types of ESA
I can't pay this, I simply don't have the funds.
I'm also concerned that as I have been ticking the box for months on my prescription charges and for a pair of Glasses that if more checks are made I'll really be royally screwed.
I'm beside myself with worry.
Has anyone else been in this situation?
I'd appreciate any help
0
Comments
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Unfortunately the onus is on you to check if you are entitled to free prescriptions etc.
I would ring them and discuss your options.0 -
How many times does this one come up? I do wish CPNs, doctors' receptionists etc would stop giving advice when they have no idea what benefits their patient receives. Yes it's down to the claimant to ensure they tick the right box, but they have taken the 'advice' of a 'professional' and are now suffering the consequences.
I would suggest in this situation that the OP might stand some chance of getting the fine element overturned if the CPN would confirm in writing that they told the OP they wouldn't have to pay for prescriptions.0 -
OP - my advice is not to believe others who have no knowledge about issues like prescriptions, etc. I always suggest this forum is excellent for advice.0
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Put up a soa and we will try to help you budget so you can pay in installmenrsmake the most of it, we are only here for the weekend.
and we will never, ever return.0 -
I really do think NHSBSA should send a memo out telling people not to give out advice about exemptions. There are so many threads on here about it.
I agree with others, OP - try and get the CPN to confirm that they gave the wrong information. Hopefully they won't go telling other people wrong information.
As an aside, have you made sure you're getting the right ESA and that you're not entitled to income based? Are you getting all other benefits you're entitled to? If you're not sure there are benefits checkers at turn2us and entitledto.Unless I say otherwise 'you' means the general you not you specifically.0 -
mancunian_maestro wrote: »I'm in a desperate place and could really use some help.
I am on an ESA benefit and also receive PIP.
My CPN told me that as I was a recipient of ESA benefits I no longer needed to pay for my prescriptions. Up until that point I had a Pre-payment system.
I recently had a tooth out and on the form ticked the box for the ESA option. I also collected my monthly supply of medications again ticking the ESA option.
This week I have been sent two letters saying that I don't qualify. I have been asked to repay each of the claims PLUS £100 per "false claim". The total is just short of £300.
I'm told that "This is because your award letter shows you receive a contributions based benefit which does not automatically entitle you to free NHS prescriptions." and "If payment is not made by 10/12/2017 a surcharge will be added."
My CPN didn't check this or advise me to look. I didn't even know that there were 2 types of ESA
I can't pay this, I simply don't have the funds.
I'm also concerned that as I have been ticking the box for months on my prescription charges and for a pair of Glasses that if more checks are made I'll really be royally screwed.
I'm beside myself with worry.
Has anyone else been in this situation?
I'd appreciate any help0 -
Op also receives Dlamake the most of it, we are only here for the weekend.
and we will never, ever return.0 -
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poppy12345 wrote: »No they don't, they recieve PIP. Totally different.
Different? Yes. Totally different? No. PIP has replaced DLA and has broadly similar, although stricter, qualifying criteria.0 -
Don't listen to them in future in any other matters other than your health.
You don't get any of the 'extras' on contribution based ESA. I've got confused looks in the dentists and opticians many times over it.
Have you told your CPN about this? Maybe she could write a letter of support given your health and that she did tell you this in error.....This is a system account and does not represent a real person. To contact the Forum Team email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com0
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