On March 18, 2026, financial expert Martin Lewis delivered an urgent warning to millions of people in England who have moved from legacy benefits to Universal Credit: don’t assume you’re still entitled to free prescriptions and dental care. The alert, issued on his popular television program, The Martin Lewis Money Show Live, comes as the UK Government’s overhaul of the welfare system reaches a crucial milestone, with the final migration deadline for most legacy benefits set for the end of March.
For years, people on Tax Credits and other legacy benefits could often claim free prescriptions and dental treatment. But as Universal Credit replaces six major benefits—including Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit, and Working Tax Credit—the rules around qualifying for these vital health services have shifted. The transition, known as managed migration, has been rolling out across the UK, with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) contacting claimants directly when it’s their turn to switch.
Martin Lewis’s message was clear and urgent: “Do not assume if you move from Tax Credits to Universal Credit you will get free prescriptions and dental. The Universal Credit income threshold for these is lower than under Tax Credits and remember, with Universal Credit your eligibility is deemed by a monthly assessment and with Tax Credits it is an annual assessment.” According to Lewis, this difference in how income is calculated means many people could find themselves ineligible for free health services they previously received, simply because they haven’t realized the rules have changed.
The stakes are high. In England, wrongly claiming free prescriptions or dental care under Universal Credit could result in a fine of up to £100. Lewis explained how easy it is for claimants to make a mistake: when filling out the form for prescriptions or dental care, people often see a box to tick for Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Tax Credits. Out of habit, they might tick the box for free prescriptions, not realizing that the income thresholds and assessment periods are different under Universal Credit. This can then trigger a letter from the DWP, asking them to check their eligibility. If they have claimed incorrectly, even unknowingly, a fine may follow.
“Protect yourself and go check if you are eligible,” Lewis urged viewers. He’s also been in discussions with the UK Government to make the forms clearer, citing a noticeable rise in fines over the past year or two. “I am talking to the government about making the forms clearer because there has been a rise in fines,” he said. Full details on eligibility for free prescriptions on Universal Credit are available on the official government website, GOV.UK.
It’s important to note that the situation differs across the UK. In Scotland, prescriptions are free for everyone, regardless of whether they are working or claiming benefits. But in England, only certain groups—including some Universal Credit claimants—qualify for free prescriptions and dental care, and the eligibility criteria are stricter than they were under Tax Credits. For many, the shift from an annual to a monthly income assessment has been a source of confusion and, in some cases, costly mistakes.
The government’s managed migration process is designed to make the transition as smooth as possible. When it’s a claimant’s turn to move, they receive a Migration Notice from the DWP, explaining what steps they need to take and providing support with the application if required. However, the notice comes with a deadline: if claimants fail to apply for Universal Credit in time, their existing benefits could be stopped. This sense of urgency has left some feeling anxious, especially as the rules around health entitlements have changed at the same time.
The migration of people receiving Income Support and income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance is now almost complete, with both benefits set to officially close at the end of March 2026. For claimants on Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), the transition has proven more complex. The DWP has agreed to a short extension for some ESA cases, recognizing that many of these claims require additional support to ensure people move safely to Universal Credit without losing vital assistance.
Universal Credit itself was designed to simplify the benefits landscape by rolling six payments into one monthly sum. The government says this approach is intended to make the system easier to navigate and to help people move into work. However, as the transition nears completion, the differences between the old and new systems are becoming more apparent—especially when it comes to entitlements like free prescriptions and dental care.
Martin Lewis’s warning comes at a time when many claimants are still adjusting to the new system. The change from annual to monthly assessments can be especially tricky. Under Tax Credits, a person’s eligibility for free health services was based on their income over a whole year, allowing for fluctuations and providing a safety net for those whose earnings varied. Universal Credit, by contrast, assesses income every month, meaning a temporary increase in earnings—even from overtime or a one-off payment—could push someone over the threshold for that month and make them ineligible for free prescriptions or dental treatment.
The consequences of getting it wrong can be significant. According to the DWP, incorrectly claiming free prescriptions or dental care—even if it’s an honest mistake—can result in a penalty of up to £100. For people already struggling to make ends meet, such a fine can be a real blow. Lewis’s advice is simple but vital: “Go to GOV.UK and check your eligibility before ticking any boxes.”
He’s also pushing for clearer guidance from the government. The rise in fines over the past year or two suggests that many people are still unaware of the changes, and Lewis believes the forms themselves could be to blame. “I am talking to the government about making the forms clearer because there has been a rise in fines,” he reiterated, highlighting the need for better communication as the migration process draws to a close.
For those still on legacy benefits, the clock is ticking. The UK Government has made it clear that all claimants should have transferred to Universal Credit by the end of March 2026. Anyone receiving a Migration Notice is urged to act promptly and seek help if they’re unsure about the process or their entitlements. The DWP provides support for those who need assistance with their application, but ultimately, the responsibility lies with the claimant to ensure they understand the new rules.
With the managed migration process nearing its end and the final closure of legacy benefits on the horizon, Martin Lewis’s warning couldn’t be timelier. For millions of people across England, staying informed and double-checking eligibility could mean the difference between accessing vital health services for free and facing an unexpected fine.
As the welfare landscape continues to evolve, claimants are encouraged to keep a close eye on official updates and to consult trusted sources like GOV.UK and consumer advocates such as Martin Lewis. The rules may have changed, but with the right information, people can avoid costly mistakes and make the most of the support available to them.
For now, the message is simple: don’t tick that box without checking. The cost of getting it wrong could be more than you bargained for.