Nicola Coburn, a resident of County Down, described the application as convoluted, echoing worries that vulnerable individuals could miss crucial healthcare.
Approximately 150,000 people lost their automatic right to free eye and dental care when they switched to UC, with an additional 70,000 expected to be affected.
The application involves a complex 22-page form, which can take weeks to process. The Association of Optometrists (AOP) has highlighted the significant impact on vulnerable populations, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and treatments.
Adam Sampson, AOP Chief Executive, criticized the situation, calling for the Department of Health to introduce automatic entitlement on Universal Credit, similar to practices in England, Wales, and Scotland.
The Department of Health acknowledged the issues and is looking into improving the application process (HC1 form) and seeking a long-term solution, which would involve determining appropriate income thresholds for UC recipients' eligibility for healthcare cost assistance.