Prescription Penalty Charge

[hollal]

Hello.

 

I have received one of these penalty notices  for a prescription from several months ago.  I usually have a prepayment card but they're saying it may have expired, which it could have done.  Unfortunately, I can't find the card itself so I can't confirm.  I was going to pay the penalty on the grounds I may have carelessly let it expire but on the website for paying it says I may be entitled to free NHS prescriptions as I'm claiming Universal Credit.  I can't recall which elements but I suspect it's child tax credits and possibly something due to not high salary.

 

I'd never considered that I may be eligible but if this is true, then I may have been buying the prepayment card unnecessarily.  Which makes me wonder if I can avoid paying this fine because even though I ticked the box to say I have a prepayment card, which was technically not the case if it's expired, I may be eligible for free prescriptions.  Assuming I am, which I will try to determine next week for sure, do you think I can appeal the penalty based on the wrong box being ticked but ultimately it not be a fraudulent claim because I am entitled to them free anyway.

 

Does that make sense?  Your thoughts on the matter are all appreciated.

[dx100uk]

go up on your UC log-in it should tell you if you are entitled to free prescriptions.

if you are, then yes 

and

yes

go get all your moneyback.

 

 

[hollal]

 

It does not say anything.

[dx100uk]

https://contactcentreservices.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/selfnhsukokb/AskUs_HWHC/en-gb/8202/qualifying-benefits/30978/am-i-entitled-to-free-nhs-prescriptions-if-i-m-in-receipt-of-universal-credit-uc

[hollal]

Ah, it seems perhaps not, as our earnings are above the £935 threshold mentioned on that site.  Thank you though.

[dx100uk]

sorry to bring bad news..

 

dx

 

[unclebulgaria67]

The earnings for free entitlements only means employment earnings and not the amount of benefits.

 

So if employment earnings are below the threshold, then send back proof of employment earnings.

[hollal]

Thanks for the replies.  I called the number on the PCN and explained what had happened and I earn over the threshold.  He did cancel the charge though because I'm claiming Universal Credit for the child support element.  Looks like I'll just go back to paying for a prepayment card.