NHS benefits for voluntary work?

Question

I'm 20, finished my a-levels, went on to work full time, but then had to stop after a year due to my mental condition (social anxiety and depression). In this time i took an open uni course.. as i was unable to leave the house. I saw a psycologist and was put on depression meds.

Recently the course finished, and i'm thinking i may be ready to start doing something.. But thought i would try voluntary work first; in charity shops etc, just to ease me back into the community. It would also benefit me with experience and it's helping out.

Now, my question is; with not having a job, not claiming benefits and just being a student, it meant i had no income, and i pay for prescrptions & any dental work.

If i take a volunteer job, am i applicable for the NHS benefits card?

I was recently covered on my fathers until i hit 20. I am very bad at finding info on this sort of stuff. From what i saw, if i were a full time student, or if i were on any benefits (jobseekers etc) i would be covered..

Answer 1

The joker is right although if you want it backdated you will need a med 5 form.  You can backdate your qualifying period as suggested but Incapacity Benenfit in youth cannot be backdated more than 3 months.

Please also dont underestimate the health problems caused by mental health issues.  If you are not fit to work then it doesnt matter really why.

Answer 2

Yes, you can get a medical cost exemption card appliaction from your local jobcentre and it will be awarded as you are on a low/no imcome.

now you are no longer a student (you could have done this while you where) you should also consider making a claim to Income Support, Incapacity Benefit in Youth and DLA.

make claims now - you will need a sick line (med 3) from your doctor (ask him to back date it 26 weeks, the waiting time for Incapcity in Youth), visit the job centre and they will arrange a telephone interview for you, or if you'd rather get them to give you the Income support and incapacity in Youth forms. You need proof of identity and that's all basciaclly. For DLA call 0845 123 456 for a claim pack. Get your local citzens advice to give you a hand filling it in, you should claim this if you are still have difficulties

just to clarify - David M is correct Incapacity will only be backdated in terms of payment for 3 months, but entitlement can be backed 26 weeks with a vaild med cert. This is important as for Incapacity benefit in youth you must have had the condition for 192, getting your cert backdated covers this waiting period, although any money due will be limited to a 3 month period.

Answer 3

Yes - you can apply for a card because you have low/no income x*x

Answer 4

If you don't want to claim benefits I think that you will just have to apply for exemption from NHS charges on grounds of low (or no) income, the link below tells you how to get the form, you would probably just have to sign a declaration that you have no income.  With respects to your previous answerer though, I really don't think that the jobcentre issues exemption certificates for people who are not claiming, if you are claiming it is automatic as you have proof of your claim anyway to allow you free prescriptions.  

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Medic...

So just take it from there, and good luck.