Some people in England are entitled to free NHS dental care including those on Universal Credit, Pension Credit and other key benefits

Visiting the dentist isn’t exactly everyone’s favourite activity. And with routine check-ups typically costing £27.40, it’s easy to see why many individuals skip them altogether.

However, you may be surprised to discover that certain people living in England could be eligible for free dental appointments and treatments via the NHS. This particularly applies to those within a particular age range and anyone in receipt of several key benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ).

Below, The Express has explored who is eligible for this and what steps you can take next. If you’ve paid for NHS dental treatment but discover you are entitled to free appointments, you may also be eligible for a refund.

Who can receive free NHS dental appointments and treatment in England?

According to the NHS, there are five categories of individuals who automatically qualify for complimentary NHS dental care. These specifically include the following:

• You’ve had a stillbirth in the past 12 months
• You’re getting treatment in an NHS hospital from a hospital dentist (but you may still need to pay for dentures or bridges)
• You receive War Pension Scheme payments, or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments and the treatment is for your accepted disability
• You’re aged under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education
• You’re pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months

In addition to this, you might qualify if you or your partner is in receipt of at least one of six benefits. Dependants under 20 years old may benefit from this as well, provided you are claiming:

• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit with Savings Credit
• Universal Credit – but only if your income is below a certain amount
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

It’s important to remember that these rules only apply to NHS dental treatments.

If you opt for private care, you’ll be liable for the cost. Usually, you’ll also need to provide proof of eligibility for free NHS care, although this may differ depending on your exemption basis.

Examples of evidence accepted by the NHS include:

• A valid maternity exemption certificate
• A maternity certificate (MatB1)
• A notification of birth form, or your baby’s birth certificate
• A stillbirth certificate
• A valid HC2 certificate – available for people on a low income
• Your birth certificate

However, official NHS guidance states: “If you receive War Pension Scheme or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments and get free dental treatment, you’ll usually need to pay for it yourself first and claim the money back from Veterans UK.”

How can I confirm my eligibility?

If you believe you’re eligible for free NHS dental care, visit the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) website to verify. The site offers a free eligibility check that typically takes about three minutes to complete.

If you’re eligible, it will guide you through the steps to claim support. Anyone who thinks they have been incorrectly charged for NHS dental appointments could be entitled to a refund.

What is the NHS Low Income Scheme?

Even if you don’t qualify for free dental care, you might still be able to receive financial help through the NHS Low Income Scheme. This scheme not only covers dental visits but also helps with other essential costs like prescriptions, eye tests, wigs, and travel expenses for treatment.

The amount you’re eligible to receive largely depends on your weekly income, savings, and essential outgoings at the time of application. You can only apply online if you have no capital or savings exceeding £6,000, and must also meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Receiving state benefits
• Living in a care home
• A pensioner
• A student
• Earning a wage

Guidance from the NHSBSA states: “If the amount you have left is low, you may be able to get help through the NHS Low Income Scheme. Any help you’re entitled to is also available to your partner, if you have one.

“If you have already paid for treatment, you can apply for a refund at the same time as you apply for the scheme. We will normally assess your application within 18 working days from the date we get your form.”

For further details on the support available, visit the NHSBSA website here.

“Today the king insisted that what now follows must be a ‘full, fair and proper’ investigation by the ‘appropriate’ authorities, but there was no mention of an ‘appropriate’ response from the Royal Family”

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We can pretend he isn’t royal, and stumble over his new, long-winded ‘Mountbatten-Windsor’ nomenclature, but Andrew is the son of a monarch, born in Buckingham Palace 66 years ago, and he remains 8th in line to the throne.

So while reports confirm that in an unprecedented move, the former prince was arrested this morning on suspicion of misconduct in a public office, lets not fool ourselves that Andrew is no longer royal. It was precisely because of his privileged position the former Prince was ‘anointed’ trade envoy in the first place – a sop to the late Queen from the Blair Administration in 2001 after a difficult royal decade.

The Windsor family’s popularity tanked in the 1990s (having polled at over 80% support during the ‘80s) in the wake of infidelity scandals, three royal divorces and Diana’s tragic death. But those dark days don’t begin to compare with the current Epstein quagmire into which the former prince has dragged his family.

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Very small fry in comparison with today’s grotesque public unravelling of a former Prince. For far too long Andrew has been able to weaponise his royal privilege to push back against his accuser and to protect himself from legal scrutiny. Today he remains in police custody on potential charges of misconduct in a public office, but so many questions remain unanswered.

We still don’t know where the money came from that paid off Virginia Giuffre in 2022, when she accused Andrew of sexual assault under New York’s Child Victim’s Act, or how much the royal family knew about Andrew’s activities with Epstein more broadly. The latter’s female accusers have done so much to move this story forward and hold powerful men to account, surely it is time that our royal family also stepped up to the plate?

Today the king insisted that what now follows must be a ‘full, fair and proper’ investigation by the ‘appropriate’ authorities, but there was no mention of an ‘appropriate’ response from the Royal Family.

The late Queen protected her son Andrew, the institution of monarchy batted away questions concerning the Duke of York’s alleged misconduct since 2011 and Buckingham Palace was the address from which Andrew platformed his lies on the BBC in 2019.

Beyond what happens to their ‘ex-royal’ brother, surely the least the Royal Family can do is apologise for consistently turning a blind eye to former Duke of York’s extensive abuse of power.

Pulendran told the BBC: “This vaccine, what we term a universal vaccine, elicits a far broader response that is protective against not just the flu virus, not just the Covid virus, not just the common cold virus, but against virtually all viruses, and as many different bacteria as we’ve tested, and even allergens.

Eddie Hearn is planning for Anthony Joshua to make his return to boxing in July following the death of his two close friends at the end of 2025.

Joshua knocked out Jake Paul in devastating fashion in December and was set for a huge 2026 until tragedy struck four days after Christmas.

The two-time heavyweight champion was on holiday in Nigeria when he was involved in a fatal car crash that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele who were also long-time members of his team.

Joshua miraculously escaped with only minor injuries having swapped seats with Aoydele shortly before their SUV crashed into the back of a stationary truck.

Joshua has not publicly discussed a return to boxing since the accident but has been seen back in training in the Middle East where he now resides.

Hearn, who has promoted Joshua since he turned professional after the 2012 Olympics, has been careful not to put any timeline on the heavyweight’s return during his physical and mental recovery.

But a firmer plan now appears to be in place.

‘Originally the plan with ‘AJ’ was for him to fight in March and then fight Tyson Fury in August,’ Hearn told BoxingScene.

‘That’s not happening. He’s not fighting Tyson Fury next. He’s going to come back, I believe, in late summer, but physically he’s not yet in a position to return to camp.

‘So, I’m planning, but he’s just resting and preparing. So, for me, I’m looking at options to get him back in the ring in July time, but we’ll only know if that’s a real possibility when he returns to camp, which will hopefully be in the next couple of weeks or a month.’

Who will Anthony Joshua fight when he returns to boxing?

Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury is a fight that has fallen by the wayside countless times over the last six years but there was renewed hope it would take place in 2026 last year.

Joshua’s accident derailed those plans with Hearn confirming Joshua will not mark his return against ‘The Gypsy King’ – who will fight Russian giant Arslanbek Makhmudov in April.

‘I think every fight’s dangerous coming off what he’s come off, but, yeah, I think we’re open to the Tyson Fury fight, but probably that’s more likely end of the year – maybe early 2027,’ Hearn said.  

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Thames Valley Police confirmed the former prince had been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on Thursday, following the release of the Epstein files

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has left a police station after being released under investigation following his arrest on Thursday morning.

Thames Valley Police said on Thursday evening: “Thames Valley Police is able to provide an update in relation to an investigation into the offence of misconduct in public office. On Thursday we arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

“The arrested man has now been released under investigation. We can also confirm that our searches in Norfolk have now concluded.”

The force said its searches in Berkshire are still underway, and that it would make no further statement at this time, according to the Mirror.

Andrew was pictured reclining in the back seat of a car almost 12 hours after his arrest. Ensure our latest news and sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

Thames Valley Police confirmed earlier on Thursday that the former prince had been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations arising out of the release of millions of pages of files related to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew, who was taken into police custody on his 66th birthday, has previously strenuously denied any wrongdoing in respect of allegations arising out of his links to and relationship with Epstein, but has not directly responded to the latest allegations.

Previously, Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.

“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.

“We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.” It is understood neither the King nor Buckingham Palace was informed in advance of Andrew’s arrest.

In response to the arrest, Charles said: “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.

“What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”

A number of police forces across the UK are assessing information released as part of the Epstein files document dump. Officers from Surrey, Bedfordshire, Essex, Norfolk, the West Midlands, Wiltshire and Scotland have all said they are reviewing information.

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The women’s team – European silver medallists last year – had really grown into this tournament since losing their opening two matches.

Needing three closing wins to put themselves into the semi-final conversation, they snatched an incredible final-stone win over the United States and executed a composed dismantling of Japan – both on Wednesday.

Italy – their closing round-robin opponents – were below them in the standings but had also belatedly found form and wanted to end their home Games in style.

Morrison’s rink controlled throughout, though.

They were 4-1 ahead after four ends and, although the Italians did cut that lead, the Scottish quartet managed the game well and eased clear again late on to earn a fifth win in their last seven matches.

However, after the immediate celebrations, they could only watch on askance as the already-qualified Swiss fell just short in the extra end and allowed the US to dash the British team’s dreams of an incredible medal with a 7-6 win.

“We’re absolutely gutted by so, so proud,” skip Sophie Jackson told BBC Sport, standing next to her tearful team-mates. “We have a tough start to the week and we did everything but we could but just left it too late.”

Rapper Lil Poppa, real name Janarious Mykel Wheeler, has died at the age of 25 and fans of his music rushed to social media to pay their respects

Much-loved rapper Lil Poppa has died aged just 25, it has been confirmed. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office in Georgia confirmed that the musician was pronounced dead. A cause of death for Lil Poppa – whose real name was Janarious Mykel Wheeler – has not yet been disclosed.

One mourner posted on Twitter/X: “Gone way too soon. Lil Poppa helped many people feel understood through his words.” A second commented: “Lil poppa gone before he could release “more healthy than before. ” His music got me through a lot of down moments in life, damn.”

A third wrote: “Can’t believe this Lil poppa news. One of the best writers to come outta Florida for a very long time. Hard to find artists who could convey the feelings of depression as well as he could.”

READ MORE: SOMBR ‘honoured’ as he’s revealed as BRIT Awards performer days before eventREAD MORE: Stella McCartney looks shocked talking to King Charles after Andrew’s arrest

Another said: “Losing someone so young at just 25 is painful. May Lil Poppa’s soul rest in peace, and may strength and comfort be with his family, friends, and everyone who loved his music during this difficult time.”

A fifth remarked: “Don’t wanna believe this Lil Poppa news, really one of my favorite artists that was so young and relatable.”

In a now-tragic final post, the singer shared an update to his Instagram Stories on Tuesday night. It showed him appearing to be riding in a car as he listened to Letting it go by Rod Wave.

He would often write songs about relationships, mental health, and love. On his Instagram, his bio read: “First We’re Born, Next We Suffer, Then We Die… The End!!”

Signed to Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group (CMG), Lil Poppa had released several successful tracks in recent years, including Love and War, Mind Over Matter, and HAPPY TEARS. His 16-track album Almost Normal Again dropped in August 2025, followed by his latest single, “Out of Town Bae,” released on Friday, February 13.

Following the album’s release, Poppa launched a 20-date Almost Normal Again Tour. He had previously joined forces with Rod Wave, his Falling Fast collaborator, on the Last Lap Tour.

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The rapper was due to perform for fans in New Orleans on March 21. His debut studio album, Blessed, I Guess, came out in 2021 and reached number 160 on the Billboard 200.

His 2022 mixtape Under Investigation 3 also made its mark on the Billboard 200, climbing to number 194. Devastated fans have flooded social media with tributes to the late artist. Poppa had more than 600,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.

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The payment, which helps with the cost of heating your home in the colder winter months, has been made automatically to the vast majority of people over the age of 66, with over one million payments made by January 24.

Lanarkshire OAPs who have not yet received their Pension Age Winter Heating Payment this winter are being encouraged to apply to receive support.

The payment, which helps with the cost of heating your home in the colder winter months, has been made automatically to the vast majority of people over the age of 66, with over one million payments made by January 24.

Pensioners in Scotland who have not opted out will receive a payment of between £101.70 and £305.10.

However, some in this age group will need to apply for the benefit. People who deferred their State Pension since they were last paid Pension Age Winter Heating Payment or the Winter Fuel Payment will need to apply.

People over State Pension age who are part of a couple with a joint award for Pension Credit, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support or Universal Credit where the main person getting that benefit is under State Pension age will also need to apply.

For example, if the named person on the joint award of Pension Credit is aged 63 and their partner is 68, the 68-year-old will be eligible for Pension Age Winter Heating Payment but will need to apply.

Those who are eligible and haven’t automatically received the payment can apply by phone or by post. The deadline to apply for winter 2025 to 2026 is March 31.

Applicants can call Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222 to apply for Pension Age Winter Heating Payment over the phone or to request a paper application form. Opening times are Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

Before calling, applicants will need to know their National Insurance number, their bank or building society details, where they lived during the qualifying week (15 to 21 September 2025) and what benefits they got during this period.

READ MORE: Groups across North Lanarkshire to benefit from 2025 Grant Awards Programme

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A new sci-fi survival thriller has been added to Paramount+ and is already impressing critics and fans alike with its unpredictable plot twists and stunning visuals

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Paramount+ subscribers would be wise not to overlook a distinctive new thriller that’s just landed on the streaming service.

This remarkable fusion of survival drama and science fiction marks the feature film debut of director Hugo Keijzer, and it’s fair to say that both audiences and critics have been thoroughly impressed.

Whilst certain elements of the film have sparked debate, this pulse-pounding expedition into the wilderness has won over Rotten Tomatoes critics, currently holding an impressive 94 percent rating.

Early viewers who’ve experienced this unpredictable cinematic journey have also been captivated by The Occupant, which launched on Paramount+ today (Thursday, 19th February).

The film’s synopsis states: “Desperate to fund an experimental treatment for her sister Beth’s terminal cancer, Abby takes a high-risk but well-paid job at a uranium mine in Northern Georgia.”, reports the Mirror.

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“Her attempt to return home after discovering a mysterious, potentially valuable mineral element is halted after her helicopter crashes in the remote mountains. Stranded, she finds hope through John, an American pilot radioing from nearby.

“As their connection deepens, Abby uncovers a disturbing truth about John, forcing her to make an impossible choice.”

Actress Ella Balinska, known for her roles in 2019’s Charlie’s Angels reboot and the recent Resident Evil series, takes the lead, appearing alongside Deadpool and Catastrophe star Rob Delaney as the mysterious John Fisher. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes have described The Occupant as “powerful and striking”, as well as “intense, quiet, beautifully shot, and terrifying”.

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One review noted: “Majestically scaled, emotionally intimate and ambitious in its conceit, THE OCCUPANT will infuriate some with its narrative ambiguity but those attuned to Keijzer’s unique vision will be thoroughly rewarded.”

Enthusiasm carried over to Letterboxd, where one five-star review enthused: “The amount of times my jaw dropped and the amount of times I wrongly guessed what the plot twist was going to be. I LOVED THIS MOVIE.”

Another viewer concurred: “Amazing movie was super intense and trippy, would watch again.”

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A further enthusiast wrote in their four-star review: “A beautiful slowburn about grief, acceptance and resilience. The film’s different locations were gorgeous and the way it was shot really emphasised how small one is when lost in the wilderness.

“We were hooked from the start, sure it had some flaws but overall it was very enjoyable!”.

Science fiction enthusiasts would be well advised to add this remarkable debut feature to their watchlist without delay.

The Occupant is available to stream on Paramount+.