ESA to UC prescription charges

FluffyCatMeow

hi all,

I am confused about paying for a prescription during the few weeks between ESA and UC. Under ESA I got them for free, but I’ve read conflicting things for if I still get them for free before my first UC payment.

I’ve read that because UC is paid in arrears, I should change my prescription form from ESA to UC now (so, I’m guessing that means before the first assessment period is done) and it’ll be absolutely fine, but I’ve also read (such as on other benefit advice forums) that I can’t use UC for free prescriptions yet because -

"While you're waiting on your Universal Credit decision
-Until your first assessment period is complete, Universal Credit doesn't entitle you to help with NHS costs. If you need to pay for any NHS charges, for example, prescriptions or dental treatment, make sure you get a receipt and ask how you can claim a refund.If you pay for a prescription, ask for a refund receipt called an FP57 when you pay - you can't get one later."

Thank you for any advice!

I know I’m asking a whole load of questions but I really do appreciate you all helping me so much, so a big thank you!

Kimmy87

While I was waiting for my first payment, I paid, got the FP57 receipt then a refund after my first statement.

You can take the FP57 into any pharmacy for a refund.

OverlyAnxious

Who actually checks these? A relative collects my prescription and I did ask them to change the box from ESA to UC at some point during the migration, but never knew whether they'd done it at the right time and never heard anything more about it.

Kimmy87

The NHS BSA

https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/our-policies/privacy/how-we-check-claims-and-debt-collection#:~:text=We%20carry%20out%20monthly%20automated,check%20for%20fraud%20and%20error.

OverlyAnxious

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/973445#Comment_973445

Thanks Kimmy. I didn't receive any letters so it must have been done at the right time.

Jimm_Scope

It's exactly as @Kimmy87 says. There is a specific receipt that you should request and get the refund. It is not ideal of course, having to pay upfront and getting a refund, but once you are on UC you should be good.

FluffyCatMeow

thank you so much everyone!