Letter from NHS business services authority

Chrome020

If this isn't in the right place, my apologies.

Hello.
My father a few month ago had emergency dental treatment at a local dentist, he's always had his appointments at no charge as being disabled his benefits have allowed that.
He's now at retirement age, officially retired in 2021 he now receives state pension and PIP.
He got a letter from the NHS business services authority a couple days ago saying they couldn't verify his entitlement for ESA, he called and verified what money he receives now and they've told him he has to pay £126 (band 1 @ 23.80 and £102.20 fee) the fee being the charge for it having to be checked by the NHS authority my father was told. £102.20 charge for that is a bit disgusting, has he been told right?

Spoonie_Turtle

It's correct he has to pay, if he's not claiming a qualifying benefit.  https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/who-is-entitled-to-free-nhs-dental-treatment-in-england/

(I can't remember whether the emergency charge and treatment charge should both be paid, or just the higher charge.)

Has he checked eligibility for Pension Credit?  (Although there is a massive backlog with claims, I don't know how it works if someone's applied but not yet had their claim processed at the time.)

Chrome020

Spoonie_Turtle said:

It's correct he has to pay, if he's not claiming a qualifying benefit.  https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/who-is-entitled-to-free-nhs-dental-treatment-in-england/

(I can't remember whether the emergency charge and treatment charge should both be paid, or just the higher charge.)

Has he checked eligibility for Pension Credit?  (Although there is a massive backlog with claims, I don't know how it works if someone's applied but not yet had their claim processed at the time.)

Thank you for the speedy reply, like you have said he's not claiming a qualifying benefit anymore.

We're both just a bit shocked at the £102.20 fine from the authority, he was under the impression that it was free of charge as he has never once paid for dental treatment.

I will mention the Pension Credit to him even if it's just for future use.

Is Pension Credit means tested do you know? He said he's only receiving state pension and PIP, I'm not sure if it would have a knock on with any of those.

Thank you for the information.

poppy12345

Chrome020 said:

Spoonie_Turtle said:

It's correct he has to pay, if he's not claiming a qualifying benefit.  https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/who-is-entitled-to-free-nhs-dental-treatment-in-england/

(I can't remember whether the emergency charge and treatment charge should both be paid, or just the higher charge.)

Has he checked eligibility for Pension Credit?  (Although there is a massive backlog with claims, I don't know how it works if someone's applied but not yet had their claim processed at the time.)

Thank you for the speedy reply, like you have said he's not claiming a qualifying benefit anymore.

We're both just a bit shocked at the £102.20 fine from the authority, he was under the impression that it was free of charge as he has never once paid for dental treatment.

I will mention the Pension Credit to him even if it's just for future use.

Is Pension Credit means tested do you know? He said he's only receiving state pension and PIP, I'm not sure if it would have a knock on with any of those.

Thank you for the information.

If he was claiming Income Related ESA previously then this would have entitled him to free dental treat. Claiming only state pension and PIP now doesn't qualify him.

Pension Credit is means tested. Does his PIP include the daily living part? if so Does he live alone? and does anyone claim either carers allowance or carers element of Universal Credit for looking after him?

sheramber

Spoonie_Turtle said:

It's correct he has to pay, if he's not claiming a qualifying benefit.  https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/who-is-entitled-to-free-nhs-dental-treatment-in-england/

(I can't remember whether the emergency charge and treatment charge should both be paid, or just the higher charge.)

An urgent dental treatment will cost £23.80, unless you're entitled to free NHS dental treatment.

If you're asked to come back for further treatment, this will be considered to be a separate course of non-urgent treatment.

If you're not entitled to free NHS dental treatment, you'll have to pay the relevant charge for the new course of treatment.

Ask the dentist what the treatment will cost or whether you can have a treatment plan.

Find information on understanding NHS dental charges.

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/how-can-i-access-an-nhs-dentist-in-an-emergency-or-out-of-hours/

NedS

Chrome020 said:

Spoonie_Turtle said:

It's correct he has to pay, if he's not claiming a qualifying benefit.  https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/who-is-entitled-to-free-nhs-dental-treatment-in-england/

(I can't remember whether the emergency charge and treatment charge should both be paid, or just the higher charge.)

Has he checked eligibility for Pension Credit?  (Although there is a massive backlog with claims, I don't know how it works if someone's applied but not yet had their claim processed at the time.)

Thank you for the speedy reply, like you have said he's not claiming a qualifying benefit anymore.

We're both just a bit shocked at the £102.20 fine from the authority, he was under the impression that it was free of charge as he has never once paid for dental treatment.

Unfortunately he was mistaken and now he knows otherwise. Expensive lesson learnt, unfortunately.

HillStreetBlues

If your father isn't exempt automatically he can apply via the Low Income Scheme and see if that gives any help
https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-low-income-scheme

It does state
"If you have already paid for treatment, you can apply for a refund at the same time as you apply for the scheme."

So if you do applied for and are granted it and you get a refund of the dental cost, you might be able to contest the penalty as he was exempt  for NHS charge  the penalty is based on.