Armstrong: Added Health Benefits Welcomed

Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong was speaking after the Health Minister announced that automatic entitlement to free sight tests, dental treatment, and travel costs for health service treatment is to be

Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong was speaking after the Health Minister announced that automatic entitlement to free sight tests, dental treatment, and travel costs for health service treatment is to be introduced from the 1st December for eligible Universal Credit (UC) recipients, stating it’s about time. 

The Strangford MLA has welcomed the Health Minister’s long-overdue announcement that he is finally making the necessary changes to legislation to enable people in receipt of Universal Credit, within the earnings limit, to have automatic entitlement to help with health costs. 

Ms Armstrong said: “I have been campaigning for free sight tests and help with healthcare costs to be extended to people living in Northern Ireland in receipt of UC since the new benefit started. 

“In a cost-of-living crisis, people are struggling to meet their daily needs, alongside trying to afford the cost of health treatments. It’s about time the Health Minister made these necessary changes.

“Red tape and delays have meant eligible people in Northern Ireland have had to apply via an HC1 form to access help towards the cost of certain health treatments and travel costs for healthcare, on referral by a doctor or dentist.

“From the 1st December, there will be equality at last for UC claimants in Northern Ireland.

“Those who are within the earnings threshold will finally have automatic entitlement and will have access to the same help with costs as citizens across GB.”