THOUSANDS of people on low incomes may be missing out on free prescriptions because of confusion over benefit changes.
The warning came from South Kirklees Citizens Advice Bureau in St Peter's Street, Huddersfield.
An annual cost-of-living rise has led to many people on incapacity benefit losing the income support top-up that entitled them to free prescriptions.
They faced having to meet the full cost - just when prescription charges have gone up to £6.40 an item.
But after CAB officials raised concerns, new rules were rushed through to protect people in that position.
Now, anyone whose weekly income is no more than £3.20 above income support level is now entitled to free prescriptions.
But they will have to make a claim.
Claimants need to complete form HC1, available from benefit offices, NHS hospitals, dentists, opticians and pharmacists, to get a certificate exempting them from payment.
If you do not have a certificate when getting a prescription you can get the fee refunded if you ask for form FP57.
Phone Huddersfield CAB on 08701 264851 for advice. Its office is open from 10am to 3pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
