Universal Credit reform rolled out

Patients in receipt of Universal Credit in North-West England will qualify for NHS sight tests and optical vouchers anywhere in the UK, confirmed the Optical Confederation.

The welfare reform, initially being piloted in Ashton-under-Lyne in the North West, was to be expanded to three more locations in July. The government hopes to phase in Universal Credit nationwide by 2017, the Confederation added.

Those qualifying for Universal Credit must present an award letter from the Department of Work and Pensions bearing their name when attending an NHS sight test appointment.

Claimants should complete and sign the GOS form to indicate their eligibility, although GOS forms have not yet been updated to include a 'Universal Credit' option. The Confederation said they should instead tick the Income-based Jobseekers Allowance box on the relevant GOS form.