East Belfast Ulster Unionist Party MLA Andy Allen MBE has welcomed the move to notify universal credit claimants of the need to complete an HC1 form for support with dental and optical costs but has urged the Department of Health to progress work to deliver a more seamless process.

Mr Allen said, “I have been contacted by several constituents today advising that they have received the following notification through their Universal Credit journal, which was an interim step I recently requested be taken.

Help with Health Costs

You may be able to get help with dental, optical and travel costs if you receive Universal Credit.  You will not get this help automatically, instead you should complete a Help with Health Costs (HC1) form.  More information is available at 'Claim for help with health and travel costs': https://nidirect.gov.uk 

“Whilst it is welcome this step of notifying those who might not otherwise have been aware of the need to complete an HC1 to assess eligibility for support with health care costs such as dental and optical treatment, this short-term must be followed by a more seamless and longer-term solution. It is imperative that the Department of Health proactively work to address this ongoing issue.”