I'll get two payments in one AP in April. Which month shouldn't I claim free prescriptions?

Golferlady

My assessment period is from 29th to the 28th and i get paid on the 4th.this coming April i will be paid on the 1st and the 29th of april giving me 2 wages in one assessment period taking me over the take home pay threshold. My question is what month shouldnt i claim free prescriptions would it be april or may?? Im so confused!! 

calcotti

You are entitled to free prescriptions if you meet the rules in the UC assessment period prior to getting the prescription.
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/help-with-health-costs-for-people-getting-universal-credit/

You'll need to have met the eligibility criteriain the last completed Universal Credit assessment period before your health costs arose. 

In your case I infer you are paid every 4 weeks so
in the AP from 29th March to 28th April you will have been paid once so will meet the eligibility criteria
in the AP 29th April to 28th May you will have been paid twice (29th April and 27th May) taking you over the threshold. This means you will not be eligible for free prescriptions from 29th May to 28th June.

Alex_Alumni

Hi @Golferlady and welcome to the forum. I'm sorry to hear you're confused, these things have a tendency to be a little unclear at the best of times. Has @calcotti's reply answered your question?

Please do let us know if you have any further queries, and you're more than welcome to explore the forum if you'd like to

Alex

Golferlady

Yes thank you thats made it clearer for me lol. Very much appreciated 

calcotti

Golferlady said:

Yes thank you thats made it clearer for me lol. Very much appreciated 

I can quite understand your confusion - I think most people are not even aware of the earnings rule so it's good that you knew enough to ask the question.

Ross_Alumni

Golferlady said:

Yes thank you thats made it clearer for me lol. Very much appreciated 

Good to hear