UC and Dental treatment.

Crazydennie

Just found out that I have got a full-time job and I am already starting to stress about the implications for my UC. I know I am likely to lose the LCWRA element quite swiftly but I am confused about when I am expected to pay for services from.
  
Is the eligibility for things like free prescriptions and dental care retrospective? I have monthly prescriptions and a dental appt for a root canal on the 13th September. Am I expected to pay for this before I have been paid by UC and my job?

I will be starting work sometime in September and my UC assessment period runs from 7th to the 6th. I will be paid at the end of the month. But how much depends on when I start.

Would I be better off starting after the dental appointment or is it the assessment period that is important?

Hope this makes sense.

calcotti

You are still eligible for free dental care and prescriptions if your earnings in the UC assessment period prior to the treatment are below the relevant threshold. You should take a copy of your last UC statement with you.
See https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/help-with-health-costs-for-people-getting-universal-credit/
There is a check tool here
https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check-if-youre-eligible-help

If your UC period ends on 6th September with no earnings or earnings below the threshold you are still entitled until 6th October.

If your September earnings then take you over the threshold in your 7th September to 6th October period you are no longer entitled to free prescriptions etc from 7th October.

Crazydennie

That is really helpful. thank you!

Nannytone

Your current cost of dental treatment will remain free as long as you were exempt from payment when that course of treatment started

calcotti

Nannytone said:

Your current cost of dental treatment will remain free as long as you were exempt from payment when that course of treatment started

I didn’t know that - thanks Nannytone.