Whether you can get SMI paid as a benefit or as a loan depends on when you get, or are treated as getting, your qualifying benefit.

 

If you get Pension Credit

Your SMI will be paid as a benefit if you got Pension Credit before 6 April 2018.

It will be paid as a loan if you got Pension Credit on or after 6 April 2018.

 

If you get another qualifying benefit

Your SMI will be paid as a benefit if you got another qualifying benefit before 7 July 2017. You must have been getting the benefit for 39 consecutive weeks.

It will be paid as a loan if you got the qualifying benefit on or after 7 July 2017.