Every year in Northern Ireland people help themselves to millions of pounds of Health Service money by wrongfully claiming exemptions from charges for prescriptions, dental treatment, sight tests and glasses, etc.

This is fraud - and the consequence is less funds for patient care.

The Fixed Penalty Charges Scheme will tackle this issue - and help put Health Service money back where it belongs.

Most people are honest. They are correctly entitled to help and claim properly. If you are entitled to help, you should continue to claim. You won't have to pay penalty charges.

The fine will be 5 times the charge that should have been paid, up to a maximum of £100, and it must be paid within 28 days. Non-payment will lead to an additional surcharge of 50% of the original Penalty Charge. These penalty charges are payable in addition to the original charge. Repeat or persistent offenders can now also face a criminal charge, with a maximum fine of £2,500

If you have any questions on entitlement or penalty charges, you can call our free information line on 0800 587 8982 or alternatively obtain a free leaflet from your Doctor, Dentist, Optician or Pharmacist. The leaflet is also available digitally in 3 parts below.

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