Free prescription eligibility

kiny333 · June 5

Hello, everyone and good afternoon.

Please could anyone give me a definitive answer with regards to free prescription eligibility after I submit my UC application, migrating from IR ESA Support Group and Housing benefit next week?

I, obviously, currently receive free prescriptions due to my IR ESA. I tick the relevant box that states the same on the back of my prescription slips.

However, after submitting my UC claim next week, my entitlement to IR ESA will end, so I will no longer be able to tick the box for that.

As so many others, who are going through the migration process have discovered, I, too, believe that some of my current ESA will convert to NS ESA and continue to be paid fortnightly, with it being deducted £ for £ from my UC entitlement.

I currently receive weekly prescriptions of 6 items in total, and with my first UC statement being some weeks away, I am trying to ascertain whether or not I would still qualify for free prescriptions in the meantime, and, if so which box would I tick?

I am planning on purchasing a 3 month NHS PPC until everything to do with UC is up and running properly, but trying to find a definitive answer to my question before I do so.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Kimi87 · June 5

Yes IR ESA ends once you apply for UC, I'm not sure if the run on payment period is also covered under IR ESA.

Technically UC is paid a month in arrears, so you would be eligible but a pharmacy might ask for UC proof and without a statement you won't have any.

I suspect the easiest thing for you to do is get the PPC, and then apply for a refund after your first UC statement.

See PPC fees, under Claiming Refunds.

https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/nhs-prescription-prepayment-certificate-ppc

kiny333 · June 5

Thank you, Kimi. That's what I thought, but just wanted to be sure.

Thanks, again for the clarification. It's appreciated. 💐

Hopeless · June 5

I’m in the same position and have searched everywhere for an answer. I asked my pharmacy but they say they can’t offer any guidance on exemptions. I don’t think the powers that be have thought this one through! I’ve just contacted NHSBSA prescription exemption checking asking if I’m covered in the 2 week run-on. I will update when I get a reply

kiny333 · June 5

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1034592#Comment_1034592

Thank you.

Hopeless · June 5

It says they’ll reply within 2 working days

Hopeless · June 6

I’ve just had a reply from NHSBSA

‘When you collect your medication and you are still in receipt of income related Employment and Support Allowance. You can still collect your medication for free. However, please contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to ask when the ESA ends, and please make sure it is income related.’

So, I’m still not sure as I don’t know when ESA actually ends. Is it considered stopped as soon as we submit or at the end of the 2 week run-on. I give up. I’ll probably just pay for my meds this time as it’s just too hard and no-one seems to know the answer

Kimi87 · June 6

If you pay ask for an FP57 receipt.

Then with your first UC statement you can take them both into any pharmacy for a refund.

If the refund form they give you at the pharmacy doesn't have a UC box, tick JSA.

WhatThe · June 6

Just tick the UC box!

You are entitled. Don't be put off by the various benefits changes. NHS has been slow to update the forms and who can blame them?

Kimi87 · June 6

The pharmacy might refuse without a UC statement.

It's better to pay and claim it back after the first statement. Not an onerous process.

That's exactly what I did when I changed over.

Hopeless · June 6

I don’t actually go to a pharmacy - I have my meds delivered by LloydsDirect so will at some point need to change the exemption on my account. I’ve just found this though on gov.uk

‘If you’ve applied for Universal Credit, you’ll keep getting your current benefit paid for 2 more weeks. You must still be eligible for your current benefit. You will not need to pay back these extra payments and they will not affect the Universal Credit you might get.’

So, this would imply the 2 week run-on of ESA still counts for prescriptions.

Kimi87 · June 6

Even with an online pharmacy you can request a FP57 receipt. I believe to get a refund you still have to visit an in person pharmacy.

WhatThe · June 6

I have never been refused. No ID or proof is needed. It is the business arm of the NHS who checks eligibility (some time later) not the pharmacy so one way or another you are exempt from charges.

WhatThe · June 6

kiny, tick the ESA box if there is one. Or UC.

I made a point of never ticking JSA because I have never claimed it or been entitled to claim it.

nic21 · June 6

I’ve recently been through the Migration and I get my monthly medications delivered in the post from Boots online pharmacy.I just changed the tick box from IR ESA to UC when placing my medication order and didn’t have any issues and have not been asked for any evidence yet.

I did check on the NHSBSA website first to make sure I still met the UC requirements for help with health care costs which I was.

Hope it all runs smoothly for you.

Free prescription eligibility

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