Six DWP benefits could make you eligible for free NHS dental treatment, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit

A visit to the dentist seldom features at the top of anyone’s list of preferred activities. And with routine check-ups generally setting you back £27.40, it’s hardly surprising that many individuals skip them altogether.

However, you may be interested to discover that certain individuals throughout England might be eligible for complimentary dental appointments and treatment via the NHS. This especially helps those within a particular age range and anyone in receipt of several key benefits administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

We’ve looked into who is eligible for this and what steps you need to take. If you’ve previously paid for NHS dental treatment but subsequently discover you’re entitled to free care, you could also be due a refund, reports the Mirror.

Who’s entitled to free NHS dental appointments in England?

The NHS confirms there are five groups of individuals who automatically qualify for free NHS dental care. These specifically include the following:

• You’ve had a stillbirth in the past 12 months
• You’re getting treatment in an NHS hospital from a hospital dentist (but you may still need to pay for dentures or bridges)
• You receive War Pension Scheme payments, or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments and the treatment is for your accepted disability
• You’re aged under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education
• You’re pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months

Additionally, you may be eligible if either you or your partner is in receipt of one of six specific benefits. Dependants under the age of 20 could also qualify, provided you’re claiming:

• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit with Savings Credit
• Universal Credit – but only if your income is below a certain amount
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Keep in mind that these rules relate solely to NHS dental treatments. Should you choose private treatment, you’ll be responsible for the costs yourself.

Generally, you’ll also need to provide evidence of your eligibility for free NHS care, though this may differ depending on your exemption category.

Examples of documentation accepted by the NHS include: Nevertheless, official NHS guidance states: “If you receive War Pension Scheme or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments and get free dental treatment, you’ll usually need to pay for it yourself first and claim the money back from Veterans UK.”

How do I verify my eligibility?

If you believe you may be entitled to free NHS dental treatment, visit the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) website to find out. The platform offers a free eligibility checker, which typically takes approximately three minutes to complete.

Should you qualify, it will guide you through the next steps required to access support. Those who suspect they have been incorrectly charged for NHS dental appointments may be entitled to a refund.

What’s the NHS Low Income Scheme about?

Even if free dental care is unavailable to you, financial assistance may still be accessible through the NHS Low Income Scheme. This programme extends beyond dentistry, encompassing other essential costs such as prescriptions, eye examinations, wigs, and travel expenses relating to medical treatment.

The amount you are able to claim depends primarily upon your weekly income, savings, and essential outgoings at the time of your application. Online applications are limited to those with capital or savings under £6,000, and you must also satisfy at least one of the following criteria: The NHSBSA also offers the following guidance: “If the amount you have left is low, you may be able to get help through the NHS Low Income Scheme. Any help you’re entitled to is also available to your partner, if you have one.

“If you have already paid for treatment, you can apply for a refund at the same time as you apply for the scheme. We will normally assess your application within 18 working days from the date we get your form.”

For further details on the assistance on offer, visit the NHSBSA website.