The NHS Business Services Authority is responsible for verifying claims for free NHS prescriptions and dental treatment. If a patient can’t prove their entitlement, they are required to pay a penalty charge of up to £100 – as well as the original prescription or treatment charge.
Universal Credit (UC) does not automatically entitle patients to help with their health costs. To qualify, patients must be included in a UC award and their earnings during their most recent assessment period must be:
- £435 or less
- £935 or less if their UC includes an element for either a child or limited capability for work
The FP17PR form has already been updated to include UC. If your dental practice is not yet using the updated version, you can contact PCSE to order new stock. Your patients who meet the UC conditions should tick the 'income-based Jobseeker's Allowance' box until then.
Help for patients who don’t qualify
Patients who aren’t entitled to free prescriptions or dental treatment through their UC may qualify for help through the NHS Low Income Scheme, and anyone who regularly pays prescription charges may be able to reduce the cost with a prescription prepayment certificate.
Our online eligibility checker tells patients what help may be available to them based on their circumstances.