DENTAL Benefit - Wariing

Having been awarded DLA backdated to 2011 with assistance of CAB I was recently caught out by the system. I was on ESA , I was advised by the ESA office it would be better if I could move to Pension Credits which I did as I qualified being 63. 2016 February I hit 65. Local authority suspends all my rent and tax benefits "change in circumstances". Pension Credits ceased and on 20 Feb my State Pension kicked in. I had a prebooked appointment with the dentist. March 18th treatment completed, one small filling. Moving on from March to May letter arrives, you were not entitled to free dental care pay us £50.50 for the treatment and £100 penalty for claiming. Because I disputed the fees I attempted to negotiate a full credit. As a result of this appeal, verbal by phone, I did not meet their time scale to pay. In which case a further charge of £50 was added making the cost £200.50p which is outrages. It looks like they have me as DLA does NOT COVER dental charges. However, PENSION CREDITS did cover dental charges. So BEWARE those who are about to move to STATE PENSION don't be caught in their trap.

Hi Jim,

I'm sorry you got caught out by this. I can confirm that only income-related benefits give the entitlement to free dental treatment. This means that IR ESA, IR JSA and guaranteed pension credits* do, contributory ESA and state retirement pension* do not. As far as DWP are concerned, ignorance of the rules is no defence.


* for example