When my hubby went for dental treatment recently he was asked to prove that he is included in my joint claim for ESA. When the receptionist was shown my ESA award letter and proof that he lives at the same address as me she said it wasn't acceptable because his name wasn't on the letter. On the last page of the award letter it states income "for you and your partner" and it shows a joint ESA rate of £114.85 per week.
He was "allowed" to fill in the back of the form where it says "if you or your partner is in receipt of income based ESA" etc and he was given treatment, but he was told that he must prove that he's entitled to free treatment the next time he's in (which is on 17 July as he broke a tooth). After he got back I rang the NHS dental charges helpline and they said my hubby was right to show the award letter and that it makes no difference whether or not his name is on my letter, he's included in the claim and so is entitled to free treatment. They said that if his entitlement is disputed again to tell the dentist receptionist to ring them, but I know there is no way that the jumped up dental receptionists at our practice are going to do this.
Any idea how I can get our dental practice to stop being obstructive in this matter? Should I just ring the DWP and get them to include hubby's name on my award letter?
My response would be to write a letter of complaint to the dental practice, in particular, (name of) dental receptionist's obstructive and unprofessional behaviour. She attempted to mislead a patient due to her own failure to follow the correct procedure. I suspect the dental surgery will treat it as a learning opportunity.
I have raised complaints about procedures in my GP practice. As a result, they have reviewed administrative procedures to avoid repeating their mistakes - better for other patients too.
Oki, I will see what they do on 17 July as he's in again for treatment the day before he's due to see the hygienist, a treatment he's already filled in a form to receive.