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<p>Eligibility for passported benefits such as free NHS prescriptions and school meals
is determined by the relevant Department.</p><p> </p><p>People can also qualify for
help in other ways, for example by applying for the NHS Low Income Scheme, which covers
prescription, dental and eye care costs, wigs, fabric supports and assistance with
healthcare-related travel costs. The Low Income Scheme assessment takes into account
council tax and housing costs, so people could get help with health costs even if
their income is too high to qualify for a means-tested benefit.</p><p> </p><p>At no
point have we actually stopped individuals from making a claim to income-related benefits.
When we transitioned people from Incapacity Benefit to Employment and Support Allowance,
we protected the amount of Incapacity Benefit they were being paid. We sent out letters
and attempted to call people at the time to advise them that they could also be entitled
to income-related benefit and to contact the Department if they believed they were
eligible.</p>
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