Claiming for Specs

**Fred Bloggs** · 23 November 2008, 10:58

Originally posted by sooty99 View Post

Does anyone know if it is possible to claim for the cost of spectacles, given the necessity of using them for prolonged periods of VDU activity? Can the full cost be recovered, or a proportion?

Don't know if it's 100% right this, but I can't work without specs so I claimed for the test and the specs on that basis.

**BrilloPad** · 23 November 2008, 11:03

Originally posted by Fred Bloggs View Post

Don't know if it's 100% right this, but I can't work without specs so I claimed for the test and the specs on that basis.

Do you use them 100% for work?

I couldn't work without clothes - but can't claim those.

**Fred Bloggs** · 23 November 2008, 11:40

Originally posted by BrilloPad View Post

Do you use them 100% for work?

I couldn't work without clothes - but can't claim those.

Yes, I see your point. The deal was actually 2 for the price of one on the glasses, so I actually claimed 50% of the bill in actual fact. So 100% of one pair if you get the idea. I have claimed 100% for safety glasses though when site based and required to wear prescription safety specs.

**bellymonster** · 23 November 2008, 11:47

If the optition tells you that you need specs for working at a computer then you can claim the cost back. If he tells you that you need to wear them all the time then you probably haven't got a right to claim.

As far as an eye test goes, I'm pretty certain that if you work at a computer for most of the day your employer must offer you an eye test every year or so. So claiming for the test is ok.

**norrahe** · 23 November 2008, 13:03

Under new regulations, you can claim for eye tests and specs. I claimed for mine a couple of years back, checked with my accountant and that was fine.

**blacjac** · 23 November 2008, 15:14

You can claim for an eyetest.

You can claim for the cost of glasses if you need them only for work.
If you need them to drive, or read a bedtime story, then tough titties.

**eyetie** · 24 November 2008, 10:41

Originally posted by blacjac View Post

You can claim for an eyetest.

Why claim when opticians occasionally do them for free? Check the freebie boards (e.g. moneysavingexpert.com) for details. £0 vs possible discount from tax man and having to keep the receipt for 5 years...

My accountant's mantra when claiming for stuff is "wholly and exclusively". If I can't prove to him that I need whatever I bought wholly and exclusively for work purposes, then he can't prove it to the taxman and/or I need to get out my calculator and work out what percentage I use just for work (pfaff-de-la-pfaff).

**dang65** · 24 November 2008, 10:48

Originally posted by BrilloPad View Post

I couldn't work without clothes

You should give it a go some time. You might be pleasantly surprised.

**TheFaQQer** · 24 November 2008, 14:51

Originally posted by blacjac View Post

You can claim for an eyetest.

You can claim for the cost of glasses if you need them only for work.
If you need them to drive, or read a bedtime story, then tough titties.

Yep - that's what we decided last time it was discussed. If you need them for work, and only for work, then you can claim them. Otherwise, you can't.

Some opticians may do you a receipt for "VDU use" on them, which would be OK (if it were true). However, if you need them for anything else then you can't claim it.

Claiming for Specs