How do i get the certificate to get free prescriptions and dental treatment and glasses ?

[Helpbenefits]

Do I need to apply or will I just get sent one?

We just moved over to UC and earnings are 0 and I’ve seen we can get the above certificate but do I need to actually apply or will it be sent automatically?
thanks

I'm pretty sure if you're on uc and your earnings are below the limit you just tick say you are on a qualifying benefit when you get your px. The low income scheme certificate is for people on a low income who aren't on uc

www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/help-with-health-costs-for-people-getting-universal-credit/

Yeah this link says you don't need to apply if you meet the eligibility criteria when on uc

www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/nhs-low-income-scheme-lis/

It will be sent to you automatically. It's just a letter these days, no little card like it used to be.

I don't know about opticians, but my local pharmacy can also see your eligibility to free prescriptions on their computer system.

So when I go to the dentist do I still have to pay the band 1 charge for a check up and band 2 for a filling etc ? I wasn’t sure

So i just take that with me ? Sorry I wasn’t sure if I had to apply online or not or if they just post it automatically Thankyou

Google it and read the gov site advice. Exemption is based on your last assessment period. You are only exempt if you earn nothing or less than the figures stated in the info. If you are at all unsure just ring up and check.
The checks are now automatic so if you claim exemption and haven’t qualified then you will be fined and have to pay the treatment costs. All the data is now shared.

I just wasn’t sure if I had to apply to get the actual certificate to show when we go for treatment or to the pharmacy or if it’s just sent or if we just tell them we don’t need to pay and they check after that wasn’t clear online

You can prove eligibility by showing a current UC statement I think you are allowed up to £1150 income.

Ok so we just tick the option for free treatment and show the statement ? Sorry for all the questions I don’t want to do anything wrong

I work in optics- you do not need to show proof when you sign the NHS form for an eye test. We are required to ask if you have any proof (this is called a point of service check), but you can self certify. There are checks further up the line to ensure fraudulent claims aren't made, and they issue fines to those that make them.

I'm not sure if it's the same for dentistry.

Thankyou that’s really helpful. I have been desperate to make appts but didn’t want to if I needed to wait for a certificate so this is perfect if I can self certify or just show my statement

You do at our dentist (Scotland so appreciate it might be different), I'd email and double check with receptionist.