loss of free prescriptions/dental/glasses

Hi all Can I ask members if anyone who has been transfered off IS to ESA (support group) has been told they are no longer entitled to free prescriptions/dental/glasses as they are no longer getting IS. I thought no one would see a reduction in the benefits they would recieve, I believe IDS said that. I now have a bill for over £300.00 because I am apparently not entitled to this even though even ATOS said I was still disabled and put me into the support group after my medical. Any help greatfully accepted.
Cheers
John

Hiya,
I phoned Newcastle today in regards to the same thing.
Allegedly if you are in income related SG you still get full help with medical costs, if in Contribution-Based you have to apply and hopefully get at least some medical costs free.

johnt wrote: Hi all Can I ask members if anyone who has been transfered off IS to ESA (support group) has been told they are no longer entitled to free prescriptions/dental/glasses as they are no longer getting IS. I thought no one would see a reduction in the benefits they would recieve, I believe IDS said that. I now have a bill for over £300.00 because I am apparently not entitled to this even though even ATOS said I was still disabled and put me into the support group after my medical. Any help greatfully accepted.
Cheers
John

Hi jt,

If you are successfully transferred from Income Support (IS) on the grounds of incapacity to ESA in either group,(WRAG or SG) then you should be receiving Income Related (IR) ESA .

Being in receipt of IR ESA, (even if it is only a penny) passports you to the same benefits as with IS, such a free prescriptions, HB, CTS, etc.

It should state on your Decision Notice letter whether any part of your ESA is IR ESA.

See : What will I be transferred to?

&

What will I be paid?

From our : IB, IS, SDA, Migration to ESA FAQ’s

bro58

If you are CB ESA you are not entitled to free optical/dental or NHS prescription.
Not entitled to any pass porting benefits or anything unless you are eligible for any IR top ups.
If you are only provided with CB ESA you lose out on what could amount to £200 benefits pr week from other sources.

You can also claim free prescriptions if you are unable to leave home without the help of another
person. Claim forms are available from your GP's surgery.

Yes very true Jim, however you may only get this if your GP agrees and signs the forms for NHS prescriptions.
I was very lucky to have this, but you still have to pay for dental/optical treatment etc as this is not covered by the NHS prescription form.