Money Moral Dilemma: Can I keep using my NHS discount card even though I've left the service?

MSE_Kelvin

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

I used to work for the NHS and, when I did, I bought a discount card for NHS staff. The scheme verifies your employment then entitles you to discounts from a lot of companies. I've left the NHS now, but the card's valid for two years and doesn't offer refunds. The T&Cs don't specify what happens in this situation - can I continue to use the card, as I bought it legitimately, or should I stop as I'm technically no longer eligible?

Unfortunately the MSE team can't answer Money Moral Dilemma questions as contributions are emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be a point of debate and discussed at face value. Remember that behind each dilemma there is a real person so, as the forum rules say, please keep it kind and keep it clean.

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MalMonroe

Hi, I used to work for the NHS and after I retired I was able to access discounts via this email address -

hsd@hsd/healthservicediscounts.com

I wasn't working for the NHS when I retired but I did work for them for 21 years and they told me I was eligible.

I'm not sure whether it also applies to ex NHS employees who aren't retired as well but it's worth sending an email to ask.

However, in your case with that particular card I would contact the provider of the card and ask. After all, you paid for it. But then again, you're not an employee. The only way to know for sure is to contact the organisation you obtained it from, really. 

Andy_L

If it is the Blue Light Card then

"What if I leave my current job role/retire?

Your Blue Light Card will remain active until your current Blue Light Card expires. However, if do not fall under one of our eligible categories at the end of your membership period, you will not be able to renew your Blue Light Card"

https://www.bluelightcard.co.uk/contactblc.php

diystarter7

Read the T&C's and adhere to them.

Andy_L

Fraud Act 2006

2 Fraud by false representation

(1)A person is in breach of this section if he—

(a)dishonestly makes a false representation, and

(b)intends, by making the representation—

      (i)to make a gain for himself or another, or

      (ii)to cause loss to another or to expose another to a risk of loss.

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/35/section/2

74jax

MSE_Kelvin said:

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

I used to work for the NHS and, when I did, I bought a discount card for NHS staff. The scheme verifies your employment then entitles you to discounts from a lot of companies. I've left the NHS now, but the card's valid for two years and doesn't offer refunds. The T&Cs don't specify what happens in this situation - can I continue to use the card, as I bought it legitimately, or should I stop as I'm technically no longer eligible?

Unfortunately the MSE team can't answer Money Moral Dilemma questions as contributions are emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be a point of debate and discussed at face value. Remember that behind each dilemma there is a real person so, as the forum rules say, please keep it kind and keep it clean.

If you haven’t already, join the forum to reply.

Got a Money Moral Dilemma of your own? Suggest an MMD.

You say nothing is mentioned in the T&Cs, but then say you are not eligible to use the card. How do you know this? 

Magstar1001

Of course
Enjoy all your discounts in this tough world we live in.

What I don't understand is why everyone doesn't get a discount. If they can give it to NHS or Students then they should give discount to all

Make the most of it, good luck to you 

Ed264

I'm surprised that nowhere in the T&C's does it state that the card is invalid if you leave the NHS. If it doesn't state that, then a bit of old-fashioned common-sense comes into play. Until the card expires!

Pineapple999

It’s the companies that offer the discount that actually fund the discount, not the NHS,  and they do so as a Thankyou and a perk for hard working NHS staff - if you are no longer one of those, then no, you definitely shouldn’t still be using it. 

Teamjarjar

It really doesn’t say in the T&C? That surprises me. But on that basis, I’d continue to use it because it doesn’t tell me not too. And you did pay for the privilege. 

ginger_chocolate

Magstar1001 said:

Of course
Enjoy all your discounts in this tough world we live in.

What I don't understand is why everyone doesn't get a discount. If they can give it to NHS or Students then they should give discount to all

Make the most of it, good luck to you 

Then it wouldn't be a discount? It would just be a lower price.