The Department of Health in Northern Ireland is consulting on proposed changes to eligibility criteria for automatic support under the Help with Health Costs scheme for Universal Credit (UC) recipients.
The move represents a significant milestone towards Universal Credit recipients in Northern Ireland receiving the same level of automatic support for eye care and dental treatment as UC recipients in other nations of the UK.
At present, Universal Credit recipients in Northern Ireland cannot receive automatic help with the cost of dental care or eye care. They must instead fill out and submit an HC1 form in order to receive treatment.
“This consultation seeks your views on the proposed eligibility criteria with the aim of ensuring that those most in need automatically receive help to access these very important healthcare services,” the consultation website states.
The Department of Health is consulting on two options for eligibility criteria. The first, which is the approach taken in Great Britain, applies an earning threshold to determine which Universal Credit recipients are eligible for Help with Health Costs.
The second option the Department of Health is consulting on would provide all Universal Credit recipients automatic access to Help with Health Costs – regardless of their income.
The consultation closes on 10 March. Individuals or organisations interested in responding to the consultation can do so online.