health costs

[twinny_15]

Does anyone know if you are exempt from dental charges etc if you are on jobseekers allowance I have checked but it says income based jobseekers is exempt but the benefit amounts are the same, as contribution based jobseekers

[ursula62]

When I was out of work  a while back I qualified for contribution based JSA, which is payable to everyone with enough National Insurance credits. That doesn't give you any additional benefits at all - they figure that if your partner works more than 24 hours a week you don't need financial help with anything (yeah right!).

However, if you're on the income based JSA and you receive other benefits, e.g. housing benefit, then you should also qualify for assistance with dental charges.

There is a hardship fund available if you are really struggling financially, but they advise you to ask before spending any money on dental or optical treatment as if you pay it yourself you can't claim it back afterwards.

[twinny_15]

Thanks for your answer it's my daughter who has just finished uni she does not have a partner, so I wonder if that changes the chance of her getting any help?

[chazza]

When i was on the dole (for a month!) i used the time to get my teeth seen at the dentists as it was free!