Help with health costs

If you are in receipt of certain benefits, you may be exempt from health charges. If you have a low income, you may be able to get help to pay health costs through the low income scheme. These costs include:

• Prescriptions charges  
• Dental charges
• Eye tests and the costs of glasses
• Help with fares to visit hospital
• Costs of NHS wigs and fabric supports.

Who is exempt?

People exempt from paying health charges include those who are:

• aged under 16 (or those aged under 19 and in full time education)
• getting Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or Pension Credit guarantee credit
• getting Child Tax Credit / Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit / Working Tax Credit which includes an amount for disability or severe disability and your income is less than a specified amount
• are the partner or family member of someone getting the benefits listed above

People aged 60 or over are entitled to free prescriptions and sight tests.  People with certain medical conditions are also exempt from presecription charges.  Ask your GP if you think this might apply to you

How to claim

If you are getting Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or Pension Credit, you will be asked to sign a declaration form when you access health services.

To find out more about the low income sheme or to claim help, ask for form HC11 from your local Jobcentre Plus office, health services or call the Health Benefits Division on 0845 850 1166.  Alternatively, you can download a leaflet here. (external link)

Prepayment certificates

If you need frequent prescriptions but do not qualify to get them free of charge, you can buy a prepayment certificate which will save you money.

In Scotland, you can get a certificate which lasts for either four or twelve months. You will usually benefit from buying a prepayment certificate if you have to pay for more than five prescription items in a four-month period, or more than 14 items in a twelve month period.

You can purchase a prepayment certificate at any pharmacy/chemist.