Am I still entitled to free prescriptions if in between ESA and UC? In the two week run on period.

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Venetia
Venetia Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener

I have just submitted my application for Universal Credit. My last ESA payment was last Thursday (10th July) and I applied for UC on Friday.

My question is this: Am I still covered for free prescriptions? I have been told that there is a two week 'run on' of ESA (so another payment at some point) and I don't know if that means I'm still entitled to tick the ESA box on the back of the prescription.

Thank you

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  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 6,342 Championing
  • Albus_Scope
    Albus_Scope Posts: 10,513 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Yes, you are still covered for free prescriptions but only for the two-week "run-on" period of ESA after your Universal Credit application.

    This means that even though you've applied for UC, and your last ESA payment was last Thursday (the 10th), you will continue to receive ESA payments for two more weeks. During this time, you are still entitled to tick the ESA box on the back of prescription forms.

  • Venetia
    Venetia Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener

    Thank you - that's useful to know. I have actually just managed to get through to ESA and they say that my ESA claim is still 'live' so yes, I am entitled to tick the ESA box.

    I find it incredible that there isn't more information about this! They really are messing with our lives.

  • Albus_Scope
    Albus_Scope Posts: 10,513 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Glad you've managed to get a decent answer. It does all seem a bit rushed, with far too many grey areas.

  • NeuroEve
    NeuroEve Online Community Member Posts: 57 Connected

    hi can I ask what happens after those 2 weeks and can you still get free prescriptions if you are on UC in the LCWRA group.