Hi, my name is Gail2018! Income AND Contribution

Gail2018
Gail2018 Community member Posts: 3 Listener
in Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
I have been to the dentist and shown my benefit papers.  They told me I was exempt.  I had treatment and a month later a letter arrived with a penalty of £100+ £20.60 for the treatment.  I rang the dentist and the NHS no.  immediately, paid the £20.60 and appealed the £100.  They refused and said it was my fault and I had to pay the £100 penalty, even after I explained the Dentist had seen all my papers.  I’m told there are two types of this benefit, income based and contribution based.  I never knew this, and neither did the dentists office.  They have backed me up an said it is an honest mistake, but I’m really worried about having to pay £100, it will be such a struggle.  Anyone else have this problem?

Comments

  • CockneyRebel
    CockneyRebel Community member Posts: 5,195 Championing
    Hi Gail and welcome

    The dentist should have been aware that only income related ESA enititles you to free treatment and other NHS services

    If you are on a low income you can apply for an HC2 certificate

    CR
  • Gail2018
    Gail2018 Community member Posts: 3 Listener
    Thank you CR.
    you would certainly think so wouldn’t you! ☹️
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 59,054 Championing
    It's not really a dentist receptionists responsibility to know which type allows for free treatment/prescriptions. This is down to the person claiming the benefit. It's your responsibility.
  • Gail2018
    Gail2018 Community member Posts: 3 Listener
    I realise that now Poppy.  But not helpful, a bit like ‘close the gate’ when the horse has bolted!  Won’t make that mistake again.  I’ve spoken to her an she didn’t know there were 2 types of this benefit.  Advice shouldn’t have been given to us in the first place.  The rules are changed so often it’s hard to keep up!

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