Entitled to free Prescriptions etc with ESA?

Jemmo1

Hi

My wife has recently started receieving ESA payments and we were looking to see if she (and/or I) was elgibile to recieve free prescriptions etc.

On the "check before you tick" thing here: https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check-for-help-paying-nhs-costs/employment-support-allowance-type

It says:

On your letter is it will say either:

• 'your income-related entitlement is', or
• 'you are entitled to contribution-based'

However on her letter it says both:

"Your income-related amount is £XX.XX less £0.00 so would have been entitled to £XX.XX

However because you are entitled to contribution-based Employmen and Support Allowance we will pay you £XX.XX (same amount)"

So I am not sure which it is

Newcad

If she has only "recently" claimed ESA then that will be what is called New Style ESA.
It is only ever Contribution Based, never Income Related, and so does not qualify for free prescriptions, etc.
And yes the letters are confusing. That's partly becuse they use the same letters for both Old Style (Legacy) ESA and New Style ESA

Depending on if you yourself are working and how much you get paid then she (and you) may still qualify for Help With Health Costs by means of a low income though.
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/nhs-low-income-scheme-lis/

(This new post editor needs a good shake down, every link I've seen today is like that).

Jemmo1

Think the process started around the start of 2023, so am guessing that is recent enough to be the new one

MouldyOldDough

If your wife has mobility problems (unable to go outdoors without assistance) - she can get free prescriptions based on

"have a continuing physical disability that prevents you going out without help from another person and have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx)"

rather than any financial reason

otherwise - nope !

poppy12345

Jemmo1 said:

Think the process started around the start of 2023, so am guessing that is recent enough to be the new one

Yes, it will be New style ESA. No new claims for Income Related ESA have been possible since end of Dec 2018.

Have you used a benefits calculator to check entitlement to Universal Credit? It's a means tested benefit so entitlement will be based on your joint circumstances, as you will need to claim as a couple. Your partners ESA will be deducted in full from any UC entitlement.