Contribution based esa

Timmins22

hi everyone. I’m on contribution based ESA,in the support group. Just wondering if anyone knows if you can get free nhs prescriptions and eye tests. I’ve looked an online and I’m a bit confused.

Kimmy87

If your ESA is Contributions Based, then no that does not entitle you to free prescriptions and eye tests.

You can apply through the NHS Low Income scheme and see what help you can get that way.

https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-low-income-scheme

Zipz

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/128191/contribution-based-esa

You don't get anything free unless you're also claiming a qualifying income-related benefit. No free dental care either...

Catherine21

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/968763#Comment_968763

Why is that ? I'm income related what's the difference thanks

Kimmy87

Income Related benefits are based on how much money you have (means teated) in savings, capital & income.

Contributions Based benefits are usually* awarded due to NI Contributions through working

*there are a few exceptions but is generally true.

ScoobaLoo7

Its crazy. I am on Contributions based and haven since my parents claimed DLA & SDA for me age 14 obviously I was not in paid work then and my only savings were what I saved from ESA/DLA. Not sure what they based it on it seems totally illogical!

poppy123456

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/979448#Comment_979448

Many years ago there was such a thing as Incapacity benefit in youth and also ESA in youth and you didn't need to have worked to be able to claim those. If you were claiming either of those then yes your current ESA will be at least partly contributions based.

On the other hand there are many people that think their ESA is contributions based, when it's in fact Income Related.

ESA contributions based Support Group is £138.20/week. If it's anymore than that then at least part of it will be Income Related.

ScoobaLoo7

Very useful to know, thank you!