Immediate measures must be taken to address the discrepancy in providing health cost support to individuals receiving universal credit. The current system covering groups 1 and 2 as detailed below facilitates smooth access to health cost support for recipients of legacy benefits, but those on or transitioning to Universal Credit must fill out a HC1 form, a requirement that many are unaware of.
The below information is from NI Direct and can be found here: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/help-health-costs
If you are in one of the groups below, you may be entitled to the following:
free HS dental treatment
free sight tests
vouchers towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses
help with the costs of travel for treatment on referral by a doctor or dentist
Group 1
You may be entitled to some or all of the above because of your age (young or old), a medical condition or because you get a War Disablement Pension or hold a War Pension exemption certificate.
Group 2
You are entitled to all of the above, if you and/or your partner get:
Working Tax Credit with Child Tax Credit and your income is £15,276 per year or less
Working Tax Credit with a disability element and your income is £15,276 per year or less
Child Tax Credit and you are not eligible for Working Tax Credit, and your income is £15,276 per year or less
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
Group 3
If you are claiming Universal Credit or if you are on a low income and do not fit into Groups 1 or 2, you may still be able to get help with your health costs.
How to claim
Group 1 and Group 2
To get help if you are in Groups 1 or 2, fill in the back of your prescription form, or tell your dentist or optician when you go for dental or optical treatment. If you are claiming help with healthcare travel costs or for wigs and fabric supports, tell the hospital and show proof of entitlement.
Group 3
If you are in Group 3 and want to claim on low-income grounds, or before your benefit claim is settled, you need to fill in the claim form HC1 'Claim for help with health and travel costs'. It can be downloaded below or is available from Jobs & Benefits offices or hospitals. Your local doctor, dentist, pharmacist and optician might also have a copy.
When you have filled in the form, post it to or hand it into your local Jobs and Benefits office.
HC1 application forms can be accessed via the below link.
