Forum Home → Discussion → Universal credit administration → Thread
UC & exemption from NHS charges
I can’t find my original thread under the new format! There is also this thread https://www.rightsnet.org.uk/forums/viewthread/13394/
is this the one you’re after - (we left it in ‘Other benefit issues’)?
I can’t find my original thread under the new format! There is also this thread https://www.rightsnet.org.uk/forums/viewthread/13394/
I have now received a reply from the DHSC - nothing new - once again a lack of understanding of the fundamental issue in UC that claimants do not get a paper award notice they can show to the dentist, pharmacist, BSA etc unless they have access to a printer or smart phone!
There is also the point which has been made on here already, that even with a print or view of the “Statement” that does not prove entitlement to health benefits. It is for a past period for one thing and for another merely sets out some of the qualifying criteria at the end and says you “may” be entitled to free prescriptions etc. Are they now expecting claimants somehow to prove they do not have earnings above the limits? Or that they are still entitled to UC at the time they ask for a free prescription?
We’ve tried completing an HC1 for a UC claimant and they just wrote to say they wouldn’t process it because the claimant was already entitled due to getting UC..
[quote author=“Rosie W” date=“1538668295] Are they now expecting claimants somehow to prove they do not have earnings above the limits? Or that they are still entitled to UC at the time they ask for a free prescription?
A claimant is exempt from charges if they had earnings for UC purposes below the £435/935 threshold in the proceeding assessment period to that in which the NHS charge applied.
The UC payment statement will show the earnings taken into account so as long as the claimant can provide a copy they can demonstate exemption.