Help with health costs - Effective from 1 April 2009 Can you get help with the cost of
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HC11
Help with
health costs
Effective from 1 April 2009
Can you get help with
the cost of:
Prescriptions
NHS Dental treatment
Sight tests
Glasses or
contact lenses
NHS Wigs and fabric
supports
Travel to receive NHS
treatmentHC11 – Help with health costs This leaflet is an interim version which includes information on Employment and Support Allowance and prescriptions for cancer patients. It not the finalised publication.
Introduction HOW TO USE THIS BOOKLET
This booklet gives guidance about NHS You can quickly check if you are
charging arrangements in England only. entitled to free treatment by going to
the Quick check guides which start on
The National Health Service (NHS) is, page 8.
primarily, for the benefit of people
resident in the United Kingdom (UK). If For more detailed guidance you need
a person is accepted for NHS treatment, to go to the Contents list starting on
eligibility for exemption from charges page 5 and find the group you most
for NHS treatment is based on the easily fit into, then go to the page
conditions described in this booklet. number shown (for example, if you
are 60 or over, go to page 16).
Most NHS treatment is free, although
there can be charges for some things. After reading about the group that
This booklet sets out information about most applies to you, check to see if any
who does not have to pay charges and others also apply (you may fit into more
also tells you about the help you might than one group).
get with the cost of the following if you
are on a low income: For instance, you might be:
• 60 or over and also have a low
• NHS prescriptions
income
• NHS dental treatment
• pregnant and also have a low
• NHS Sight tests
income.
• Glasses and contact lenses
• Necessary costs of travel to receive If this applies to you, you need to make
NHS treatment under the care of a sure you read about both groups.
consultant, or through a referral by a
doctor or dentist When you have found the group, or
• NHS wigs and fabric supports groups, you belong to and what help
(whenever we say ‘fabric supports’ you can get, go on to page 41. This tells
we mean spinal or abdominal you how to get help with NHS costs
supports or surgical brassieres when you go for treatment.
supplied through a hospital). REFUNDS There is also information
about refunds in this booklet – read
pages 48-55.
2 HC11 – Help with health costs INTRODUCTION 3PENALTY CHARGES If you are found to Contents
have made a wrongful claim for help
with health costs, you will face penalty QUICK CHECK GUIDES
charges and may be prosecuted under NHS prescriptions 8
powers introduced by the Health Act NHS dental treatment 9
1999 – read page 48.
NHS sight tests 11
CURRENT RATES The current rates of NHS optical vouchers 12
NHS charges and optical voucher values NHS travel costs 13
in England are listed in the separate
NHS wigs and fabric supports 14
leaflet HC12.
AGE GROUPS
Go to page 76 to find out how to get Children under 16 15
this leaflet.
Young people aged 16, 17
THIS LEAFLET GIVES GENERAL GUIDANCE ONLY and 18 in full-time education 15
AND SHOULD NOT BE TREATED AS A COMPLETE Other young people not
AND AUTHORITATIVE STATEMENT OF LAW. in full time education 16
People 60 or over 16
INCOME GROUPS
People getting benefits or tax credits 17
Income Support 17
Jobseeker’s Allowance 18
Employment and Support Allowance 18
Pension Credit Guarantee Credit 19
Other benefits 20
Tax credits 20
People with a low income 24
OTHER GROUPS
War pensioners 28
People from abroad 28
People with a specified medical
condition 30
4 HC11 – Help with health costs CONTENTS 5Pregnant women and those who have CHECKS OF ENTITLEMENT
had a baby in the previous Checking your entitlement 47
12 months 32
PENALTY CHARGE 48
People who need lots of prescriptions 33
People registered severely CLAIMING REFUNDS
sight-impaired/blind or NHS prescription charges 48
sight-impaired/partially sighted 34 Prescription prepayment
People who need complex lenses 34 certificate (PPC) fees 49
People who have lost or damaged Other refunds 51
their glasses or contact lenses 35 NHS dental charges 52
People with impaired hearing 35 Sight test fees 53
People living in a care home 36 Glasses or contact lens costs 53
People supported by a local Travel costs to receive NHS
authority after leaving care 36 treatment 54
NHS in-patients 37 NHS wig and fabric support charges 54
NHS out-patients/day patients 38 War pensioners 55
People who need to travel
to receive NHS treatment 39 PROOF OF ENTITLEMENT TABLES
NHS treatment abroad 40 NHS prescriptions 56
Isles of Scilly 41 NHS dental treatment 62
NHS sight tests 68
CLAIMING HELP WHEN YOU NHS sight tests and optical vouchers 72
GO FOR TREATMENT
NHS prescriptions 41 ORDERING FORMS AND LEAFLETS 76
NHS dental treatment 42
Sight tests 43 ADVICE LINES 78
NHS vouchers for glasses or contact
lenses 44
NHS vouchers for repair or replacement
of glasses or contact lenses 45
Travel to receive NHS treatment 45
NHS wigs and fabric supports 46
6 HC11 – Help with health costs CONTENTS 7Quick check guides • have a valid war pension exemption
certificate and the prescription is for
NHS PRESCRIPTIONS your accepted disablement.
You can get free NHS prescriptions if at Supplied free:
the time the prescription is dispensed • medication given to you to take at a
you: hospital or an NHS Walk in Centre
• are aged 60 or over • prescribed contraceptives
• are under 16 • medication personally administered
• are aged 16, 17 or 18 in full-time to you by a GP
education • medication supplied at a hospital or
• are pregnant, or have had a baby in PCT clinic for the treatment of a
the previous 12 months and have a sexually transmissible infection (STI)
valid exemption certificate • medication supplied by a PCT or Trust
• have a listed medical condition and or by a Patient Group Direction for
have a valid exemption certificate the treatment of Tuberculosis
• have a continuing physical disability • medication supplied by a PCT or Trust
which means you cannot go out or by a Patient Group Direction to a
without help from another person person subject to a supervised
and have a valid exemption community treatment order for the
certificate treatment of a mental disorder.
• are an NHS in-patient
• get or are included in an award of NOTE: if you need a wig or fabric support
someone getting: read page 14.
– Income Support
– Income-based Jobseeker’s
Allowance (Incapacity Benefit or NHS DENTAL TREATMENT
Disability Living Allowance do not You can get free NHS dental
count, as they are not income- treatment if:
related)
– Income-related Employment and • when the treatment starts you are:
Support Allowance • aged under 18
– Pension Credit Guarantee Credit • aged 18 in full-time education
• are entitled to, or named on, a valid • pregnant, or have had a baby
NHS tax credit exemption certificate in the 12 months before treatment
• are named on a valid HC2 certificate starts
• an NHS in-patient and the
8 HC11 – Help with health costs QUICK CHECK GUIDES 9treatment is carried out by the NHS SIGHT TESTS
hospital dentist
• an NHS Hospital Dental Service You can get free sights tests if you:
out-patient* • are under 16
• are aged 16,17 or 18 in full-time
* There may be a charge for education
dentures and bridges. • are aged 60 or over
• are a diagnosed glaucoma patient
• when the treatment starts or when • have been advised by an
the charge is made you: ophthalmologist that you are at risk
• get or are included in an award of glaucoma
of someone getting: • are aged 40 or over and are a parent,
– Income Support brother, sister, son or daughter of a
– Income-based Jobseeker’s diagnosed glaucoma patient
Allowance (Incapacity Benefit • have been diagnosed as diabetic
or Disability Living Allowance • are registered as severely sight-
do not count as they are not impaired/blind or sight-impaired/
income-related) partially sighted
– Income-related Employment and • need complex lenses
Support Allowance • are someone whose sight test is
– Pension Credit Guarantee Credit carried out through the hospital
• are entitled to, or named on, a valid eye department as part of the
NHS tax credit exemption certificate management of your eye condition
• are named on a valid HC2 certificate. • get or are included in an award of
someone getting:
Partial help: if you are named on a – Income Support
valid HC3 certificate you might get – Income-based Jobseeker’s
some help towards the cost of your Allowance (Incapacity Benefit or
NHS dental treatment. Disability Living Allowance do not
count as they are not income-
War pensioners – read page 28. related)
– Income-related Employment and
Support Allowance
– Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• are entitled to, or named on, a valid
NHS tax credit exemption certificate
• are named on a valid HC2 certificate.
10 HC11 – Help with health costs QUICK CHECK GUIDES 11Partial help: if you are named on a valid NHS VOUCHERS FOR REPAIR
HC3 certificate you might get some help OR REPLACEMENT OF GLASSES
towards the cost of a private sight test. OR CONTACT LENSES
War pensioners – read page 28. You can get vouchers if you:
• are under 16 (if you are 16 or over,
NHS OPTICAL VOUCHERS conditions apply – read page 35).
You can get vouchers towards the costs NHS TRAVEL COSTS
of glasses or contact lenses if you:
• are under 16 You can get help with necessary travel
• are aged 16, 17 or 18 in full-time costs to receive NHS treatment through
education a referral by a doctor or dentist if you:
• need complex lenses – read page 34 • get or are included in an award of
• get or are included in an award of someone getting:
someone getting: – Income Support
– Income Support – Income-based Jobseeker’s
– Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (Incapacity Benefit or
Allowance (Incapacity Benefit or Disability Living Allowance do not
Disability Living Allowance do not count as they are not income-
count as they are not income- related)
related) – Income-related Employment and
– Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Support Allowance – Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
– Pension Credit Guarantee Credit • are entitled to, or named on, a valid
• are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
NHS tax credit exemption certificate • are named on a valid HC2 certificate
• are named on a valid HC2 certificate. (includes travel by your
dependent children)
Partial help: if you are named on a valid
HC3 certificate, you might get some • are a war pensioner and the
help. treatment is for a disability that the
Service Personnel and Veterans
NOTE: If your glasses or contact lenses Agency accepts for treatment
cost more than your voucher value, you
will have to pay the difference. Children under 16 and young people 16
and over – read pages 39-40.
War pensioners – read page 28.
12 HC11 – Help with health costs QUICK CHECK GUIDES 13Partial help: if you are named on a Age groups
valid HC3 certificate you might get
some help. CHILDREN UNDER 16 AND YOUNG
PEOPLE AGED 16, 17 AND 18 IN
NHS WIGS AND FABRIC SUPPORTS FULL-TIME EDUCATION
You can get free wigs and fabric Qualifying full-time education means
supports if you: you must be receiving full-time
• are under 16 instruction at a recognised educational
• are aged 16, 17 or 18 in full-time establishment or by other means
education accepted as comparable by the
• are a hospital in-patient Secretary of State to a school, college or
• have a valid war pension exemption university. You will be covered between
certificate and the wig or fabric years or when changing schools if a
support is for your accepted letter is provided from the school /
disablement college to be attended in September. If
• get or are included in an award of it is not a recognised establishment, you
someone getting: still may be able to claim for help with
– Income Support health costs under the NHS Low Income
– Income-based Jobseeker’s Scheme – read pages 24-27.
Allowance (Incapacity Benefit or
Disability Living Allowance do not You are generally not considered to be
count as they are not income- receiving full-time education once you
related) have finished A Level (or equivalent) as
– Income-related Employment and you will have come off a school or
Support Allowance college register. If however you do
– Pension Credit Guarantee Credit intend to continue in full-time
• are entitled to, or named on, a valid education and have a letter offering
NHS tax credit exemption certificate you a higher education place for the
• are named on a valid HC2 certificate. term following your further education,
you may be eligible during the
Partial help: if you are named on a vacation.
valid HC3 certificate you might get
some help. You get free:
• NHS prescriptions
• NHS dental treatment for any course
of treatment that starts before your
19th birthday
14 HC11 – Help with health costs AGE GROUPS 15• NHS sight tests Authority care – read page 36
• NHS wigs and fabric supports. • if you do not have much money to
pay other health costs, you can still
You also get: claim for help – read pages 24-27.
• vouchers towards the cost of
glasses or contact lenses PEOPLE AGED 60 OR OVER
NOTE: If you have lost or damaged
your glasses or contact lenses – read You get free:
page 35. If you need help with travel • NHS prescriptions
costs for NHS treatment – read pages • NHS sight tests.
39-40.
If you need help with other health
YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 19 IN FULL TIME costs, check to see if you fit into any of
EDUCATION OR TRAINING the groups listed on pages 5–7.
If someone (usually a parent) still Income groups
receives Child Benefit and tax credits for
you, and their income is equal to or less PEOPLE GETTING BENEFITS OR TAX
than the qualifying level (please see CREDITS
page 21) you are entitled to the same
You, your partner and any dependant
things as those aged under 19 in full
children and young people under 20
time education - see above.
included in the award of the benefit or
credit are entitled.
OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE NOT
IN FULL-TIME EDUCATION If you are waiting for your claim to be
settled and need help urgently with any
You get free: health costs – read pages 24-27.
• NHS dental treatment for any course
of treatment which starts before your INCOME SUPPORT (IS)
18th birthday.
If you are included in the award you
You may also get help: get free:
• with travel costs for NHS treatment – • NHS prescriptions
read pages 39-40 • NHS dental treatment
• if you are aged 16 or 17 and are • NHS sight tests
supported by a Local Authority • NHS wigs and fabric supports.
because you have recently left Local
16 HC11 – Help with health costs INCOME GROUPS 17You and your partner also get: to the same things as people getting
• a voucher towards the cost of glasses Income Support – read page 17.
or contact lenses
• refunds of necessary travel costs to
CONTRIBUTION-BASED EMPLOYMENT
receive NHS treatment under the care
AND SUPPORT ALLOWANCE – ESA(C)
of a consultant, or through a referral
by a doctor or dentist.
IMPORTANT: On its own, ESA(C) does not
entitle you to help with health costs. If
INCOME-BASED JOB SEEKER’S
you have to pay health costs, check to
ALLOWANCE – JSA (IB)
see if you are in any of the groups
You, your partner and any dependent listed on pages 5–7. You might be able
children and young people under 20 to get help if you are on a low income –
included in a JSA (IB) claim are entitled read pages 24-27.
to the same things as people getting
Income Support – read page 17. If you are not sure about the type of
ESA you are getting, ask at your
CONTRIBUTION-BASED JSA – JSA(C) Jobcentre Plus office.
IMPORTANT: On its own, JSA(C) or PENSION CREDIT GUARANTEE CREDIT
contribution based Employment and
Support Allowance does not entitle you If you get:
to help with health costs. If you have to • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
pay health costs, check to see if you are • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit with
in any of the groups listed on pages Savings Credit, or
5–7. You might be able to get help if • If you are aged under 60 and your
you are on a low income – read pages partner gets either of the above, you,
24-27. your partner and any dependent
children and young people under 20
If you are not sure about the type of included in a Pension Credit
JSA you are getting, ask at your Guarantee Credit claim are entitled to
Jobcentre Plus office. the same help with health costs as
people getting
INCOME-RELATED EMPLOYMENT AND Income Support – see page 17.
SUPPORT ALLOWANCE – ESA(IR)
IMPORTANT: If you only get Pension Credit
You, your partner and any dependent Savings Credit on its own, this does not
children and young people under 20 entitle you to help with health costs. If
included in an ESA(IR) claim are entitled
18 HC11 – Help with health costs INCOME GROUPS 19you have to pay health costs, check to TAX CREDITS
see if you are in any of the other
groups listed on pages 5–7. You might These are:
be able to get help if you are on a low • Working Tax Credit (WTC)
income – read pages 24-27. • Child Tax Credit (CTC)
1. If you meet the qualifying conditions
How to check if you are getting (read paragraph 3 in this section) you
Pension Credit Guarantee Credit will automatically be sent an NHS tax
Your award notice tells you what type credit exemption certificate by the NHS
of Pension Credit you get. This is shown Business Services Authority (NHSBSA).
at item 5 on the page entitled ‘How You do not need to apply for a
your Pension Credit has been worked certificate – but read paragraph 7.
out’. If you have not received an award
notice, or have mislaid it, you should 2. If you meet the qualifying conditions
ring the Pension Centre on local call you can get free:
rate number 0845 6060 265 and ask for
a copy. • NHS prescriptions
• NHS dental treatment
OTHER BENEFITS • NHS sight tests
• NHS wigs and fabric supports.
Only IS, JSA (IB), ESA(IR) and Pension
You also get:
Credit Guarantee Credit give you, your
• vouchers towards the cost of glasses
partner and any dependent children and
or contact lenses
young people under 20 included in the
• refunds of necessary travel costs to
claim automatic help with health costs.
receive NHS treatment under the care
IMPORTANT: Other benefits, such as of a consultant, or through a referral
Incapacity Benefit or Disability Living by a doctor or dentist.
Allowance, do not entitle you to help This also applies to your partner or any
with health costs. This is because they are dependent children and young people
not income related. If you have to pay under 20 included in your Tax Credit
health costs, check to see if you are in assessment.
any of the other groups listed on pages
5–7. You can also get help if you are on 3. To qualify for help with health costs:
a low income – read pages 24-27.
• your family income for tax credits
must be £15,276* or less (this is on
20 HC11 – Help with health costs INCOME GROUPS 21your tax credit award notice or decision getting tax credits who are entitled to
letter issued by HM Revenue and an exemption certificate. The NHSBSA
Customs (HMRC)) and one of the will send out exemption certificates. You
following applies: do not have to apply for one.
– you are working and have children
so you get WTC and CTC, or If you have an award but no certificate
– you are working and disabled so you 7. The NHSBSA cannot send you an
get WTC with a disability element or exemption certificate until they receive
severe disability element – check the information from HMRC. This could
your award notice or decision letter, be up to six weeks after you get your tax
or credit award. If you meet the conditions
– you are not eligible for WTC but for help listed in paragraph 3, you can
get CTC. sign NHS treatment forms to say you do
not have to pay because you get tax
* If you are reading this after 6 April credits.
2010, you should check to see if this
figure has been increased. Use your award notice as evidence of
your entitlement until your certificate
To find out more about Tax Credits visit arrives.
www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits.
8. If you are still unsure about whether or
4. If you are unsure about the amount not you are entitled to an NHS tax
of your income for tax credit purposes, credit exemption certificate, ring the
you can check this with HMRC’s Tax NHSBSA on 0845 609 9299, and have
Credit Helpline on: 0845 300 3900. your tax credit award notice ready so
you can tell them what is on it.
For people with hearing or speech
difficulties, HMRC’s Helpline number is If you lose your Tax Credit Exemption
0845 300 3909. Certificate
9. Tell the NHSBSA by writing to:
5. If you have made a claim for tax credit Exemption Issue Office, PO Box 1011,
but not yet received your award notice Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE99 2ZP, and let
or decision letter, you should contact them know what happened. They will
the HMRC on the above number (not send you a duplicate.
the NHSBSA).
If you do not qualify for help through
NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificates Tax Credit Exemption
6. HMRC will send information to the 10. If you do not meet the conditions in
NHSBSA each month about people paragraph 3, you may be able to claim
22 HC11 – Help with health costs INCOME GROUPS 23help through the NHS Low Income will need to claim Child Tax Credit from
Scheme – read pages 24-27. HMRC. To find out more about Tax
Credits visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits
11. Ring HMRC’s Tax Credit Helpline on or phone 0845 300 3900.
0845 300 3900 for advice about other
help (as well as help with health costs) If you would like to find out if the NHS
that might be available through tax Low Income scheme can help you, pick
credits. up an HC1 form (claim for help with
health costs) from a Jobcentre Plus
THE NHS LOW INCOME SCHEME office or NHS hospital. Your dentist or
optician may have copies too, or ring
If you have to pay for any of the items 0845 610 1112 for one.
listed on page 2 of this leaflet, and are
on a low income (for example, on You can fill in a special short claim form,
Incapacity Benefit only), the NHS Low the HC1(SC) if either of the following
Income Scheme may be able to help applies to you:
you with health costs. But if you have • you live permanently in a care home
capital which is over the capital limits and the local authority helps you
which are currently £16,000 or £23,000* with the cost
for people who live permanently in a • you are supported by the local
care home, you cannot claim any help authority because you are aged
through this scheme. 16 or 17 and recently left local
authority care.
* If you are reading this after 7 April
2009, you should check to see if the Ask your home manager/local
capital limits have changed. authority/care worker for an HC1(SC)
claim form. Otherwise, use the normal
If you have a partner, their property, form, the HC1.
savings and any other money is counted
with yours. If you are aged 16 or over, you can
make your own claim on an HC1, but
A partner is a person you live with as you needn’t do this if you count as a
part of a couple of the same or dependant of someone who is getting
opposite sex, whether or not you are any of the eligible benefits or credits
married or have a civil partnership. listed on pages 17–23.
Children will not be included in the NHS If a dependent child under 16 has to go
Low Income Scheme assessment. You to for NHS treatment under the care of
24 HC11 – Help with health costs INCOME GROUPS 25a consultant, or through a referral by a If you qualify for help you will be sent
doctor or dentist, you can claim help an NHS certificate HC2 for full help or
with their travel costs. Any help will be an NHS certificate HC3 for partial help
based on the parent’s income, not the with health costs. The certificate will
child’s. tell you who it covers and how long
it lasts.
Fill in the HC1 or HC1(SC) and send it
off in the envelope that comes with it. If your circumstances change for the
The claim form tells you what to do better, you do not need to report it. If
and may ask you to send in evidence your circumstances change for the
of your income. worse, you should make another claim.
If you have any queries about how to People seeking asylum and who are
fill in these forms, what to send, or supported by the Border and
need help with translation you can call Immigration Agency (BIA), including
the NHSBSA on 0845 850 1166, or write those on subsistence support only, will
to: be sent an NHS charges certificate (HC2)
NHS Business Services Authority, for full help with health costs with their
Sandyford House, first support payments – also read pages
Newcastle-upon-Tyne 28-29.
NE2 1DB
IMPORTANT: An HC2 certificate does not
After you have sent off the claim form, entitle you to NHS treatment. It entitles
the NHSBSA use the information you you to full help with health costs if you
have supplied to work out how much have been accepted for NHS treatment.
help you might get towards your health
costs. If you need help urgently with any
health costs before IS, JSA (IB), ESA(IR),
To work out your low income Pension Credit or tax credits are
entitlement, your income will be awarded, make a separate claim on an
compared with your ‘requirements’, HC1. Do not wait for your benefit or
which include a personal allowance, credit claim to be settled. But if you
premiums, plus housing costs and have a tax credit award notice, read
council tax you have to pay. The HC1 pages 20-23 to see if you can get help
tells you more about this and explains without making a low income claim.
what counts as income.
If you do not want to delay your NHS
NHS Low Income Scheme Certificates treatment or repair/replacement of
26 HC11 – Help with health costs INCOME GROUPS 27glasses (but read page 35 first) or need remain in the UK and people accepted
emergency NHS dental treatment, you as coming to work or study in the UK),
may need to pay and claim a refund and who are accepted for NHS
later. treatment, may claim help with health
costs in the same way as other
If you want to claim a refund of any residents.
health cost – read pages 48-55.
If you are accepted for NHS treatment,
Other groups first check to see if you are in one
of the groups listed on pages 5–7.
WAR PENSIONERS Otherwise, you can make a claim
under the NHS Low Income Scheme
You get free NHS prescriptions and NHS – read pages 24-27.
wigs and fabric supports at the point of
treatment if you have a valid war Further information about people who
pension exemption certificate and the come from abroad can be found on the
treatment is for your accepted Department of Health website, at
disablement. www.dh.gov.uk/overseasvisitors
You can claim money back for dental People seeking asylum and who are
treatment, travel costs, sight tests, supported by the Border and
glasses or contact lenses if the Immigration Agency (BIA), including
treatment, or the reason for travel, is those on subsistence support only, will
for your accepted disablement. be sent an NHS charges certificate (HC2)
Write to: The Treatment Group, Service for full help with health costs with their
Personnel and Veterans Agency, first support payments.
Norcross, Blackpool FY5 3WP. You can
get a pre-paid addressed envelope from People seeking asylum, who are not in
Post Offices. one of the groups listed on pages 5-7
and are not supported by BIA or failed
Otherwise, check if you are in any of asylum seekers need to make a claim
the groups listed on pages 5–7. under the NHS Low Income Scheme -
read pages 24-27.
PEOPLE FROM ABROAD
Information for health staff, service
People who come from abroad and are planners and agencies providing advice
accepted as ordinarily resident in the to asylum seekers is in Caring for
UK (including those given leave to dispersed asylum seekers – A resource
28 HC11 – Help with health costs OTHER GROUPS 29pack, a copy of which is available to • because you are undergoing
download from the Department of treatment for cancer. Including for the
Health’s website, at www.dh.gov.uk effects of cancer or the effects of
Please use the advanced search facility previous or current cancer treatment.
to look for the title. Exemption for this condition applies
from 1 April 2009 only.
PEOPLE WITH A SPECIFIED MEDICAL
CONDITION NOTE: We ask doctors to advise you
about free prescriptions, but it is up to
You can get free: you to find out if you are entitled or
• NHS prescriptions if you have a valid not. Only the conditions listed count. If
medical exemption certificate you are unsure about the name of your
because you have: condition, check with your doctor.
– a permanent fistula (for example,
caecostomy, colostomy, laryngos- You can also get free:
tomy or ileostomy) requiring • NHS prescriptions for the treatment
continuous surgical dressing or of
requiring an appliance – a sexually transmissible infection
– a form of hypoadrenalism (for (STI)
example, Addison’s Disease) for – for a patient subject to a
which specific substitution therapy community treatment order, in
is essential respect of any drug supplied to
– diabetes insipidus and other forms that patient for the treatment of a
of hypopituitarism mental disorder
– diabetes mellitus, except where – medication for the treatment of
treatment is by diet alone tuberculosis
– hypoparathyroidism when the medication is supplied at
– myasthenia gravis a hospital or Primary Care Trust (PCT)
– myxoedema (that is, clinic.
hypothyroidism requiring thyroid • NHS sight test if you:
hormone replacement) – are a diagnosed glaucoma patient
– epilepsy requiring continuous anti- – are aged 40 or over and are the
convulsive therapy parent, brother, sister, son or
– you have a continuing physical daughter of a person with
disability which means you cannot diagnosed glaucoma
go out without the help of – have been advised by an
another person, or ophthalmologist that you are
at risk of glaucoma
30 HC11 – Help with health costs OTHER GROUPS 31– are a diagnosed diabetic. that your certificate needs to be
renewed, but if not, it is your
NOTE: the medication to treat the responsibility to ensure that it is
STI is only free if it is supplied by the renewed.
hospital or PCT clinic. You will have
to pay charges in the normal way if
the hospital or clinic gives you a PREGNANT WOMEN AND THOSE WHO
prescription form to take to your ‘high HAVE HAD A BABY IN THE PREVIOUS
street’ pharmacy, even if the medication 12 MONTHS
is for an STI. You will also have to pay
charges in the normal way for any You get free:
other medication supplied by the • NHS prescriptions – but only if you
hospital or clinic. have a valid maternity exemption
certificate/card issued by the NHS
Getting your medical exemption Business Services Authority
certificate
• NHS dental treatment if, when
To apply for a medical exemption you are accepted for a course of
(Medex) certificate, ask your doctor for treatment, you are pregnant or
Form FP92A. The form tells you what to have had a baby in the previous
do. Your GP, hospital or service doctor 12 months.
(or, if the GP chooses, a member of the
GP’s practice who can access your To apply for your maternity exemption
medical records) will sign the form to card ask your doctor, nurse, midwife or
confirm your statement. health visitor for Form FW8. The form
tells you what to do. Your doctor, nurse,
The certificate will start one month midwife or health visitor will sign the
before the date that the NHS Business form to confirm your statement.
Services Authority (NHSBSA) receives
the application form (except for Your exemption card will last until
certificates for those receiving 12 months after the expected date of
treatment for cancer, which cannot start birth. If your baby is born early, you can
before 1 April 2009). Your exemption continue to use your exemption card
certificate will be posted to you. until it expires. If your baby is born late,
you can apply for an extension. If you
Medical exemption certificates normally apply after your baby is born, your
last for five years and then need to be exemption card will run for 12 months
renewed. You may receive a reminder from your baby’s birth.
32 HC11 – Help with health costs OTHER GROUPS 33PEOPLE WHO NEED LOTS OF PPC start date
PRESCRIPTIONS BUT HAVE TO PAY The PPC will start from the date your
CHARGES: PRESCRIPTION PREPAYMENT application is received unless you ask
CERTIFICATES (PPC) for a different start date. This can be
If you are not entitled to free up to one month before or one month
prescriptions and you think you will later than the date your application
have to pay for 4 or more items is received.
in 3 months or more than 14 items in 12
months, you may find it cheaper to buy PEOPLE REGISTERED SEVERELY
a PPC. SIGHT-IMPAIRED/BLIND OR SIGHT-
To check the cost of a PPC you can IMPAIRED/PARTIALLY SIGHTED
either visit,
www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/healthcosts, ring You get free NHS sight tests. If you
0845 850 0030 or look in leaflet HC12 need help with other health costs,
(available in some pharmacies or GP check if you are in one of the groups
surgeries). listed on pages 5–7.
You can choose to pay for a 12-month
PPC by 10 monthly Direct Debit PEOPLE WHO NEED COMPLEX LENSES
instalments. If you pay using this option
you are entering into a commitment to You get free NHS sight tests if you’re
pay all the instalments. If you use the prescribed complex or powerful glasses
PPC after failing to pay an instalment with at least one lens which:
you may have to pay a penalty charge. • has a power in any one meridian of
The PPC cannot be issued until the first plus or minus 10 or more dioptres; or
Direct Debit instalment is paid. • is a prism-controlled bifocal lens.
You can apply for a PPC:
You also get a voucher towards the
• On- line at cost of glasses or contact lenses.
www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/healthcosts
• By phoning 0845 850 0030 PEOPLE WHO HAVE LOST OR
• By filling in form FP95, available from DAMAGED THEIR GLASSES
your pharmacy. The form tells you OR CONTACT LENSES
what to do.
If you are under 16, you get a
For other enquiries about applications voucher towards the cost of repair
for PPCs, or to report lost or stolen or replacement.
PPCs, please ring 0845 601 8076.
34 HC11 – Help with health costs OTHER GROUPS 35If you are 16 or over, you may be all or part of the cost – read pages
entitled to a voucher towards the cost 24-27
of repair or replacement if your PCT • otherwise, check to see if you are in
agrees that: any of the other groups listed on
• the loss or damage was due to illness; pages 5–7 or check to see if you can
and get help via the NHS Low Income
• you can’t get any help through a Scheme – read pages 24-27.
warranty, insurance or after sales
service; and PEOPLE SUPPORTED BY A LOCAL
• you would be entitled to an NHS AUTHORITY AFTER LEAVING CARE –
voucher for glasses or contact CARE LEAVERS
lenses – read page 12.
If you are aged 16 or 17 and supported
If in doubt contact your PCT. by a local authority because you
This does not apply to disposable recently left local authority care, you
contact lenses. are entitled to full help with health
costs through the NHS Low Income
PEOPLE WITH IMPAIRED HEARING
Scheme – read pages 24-27.
You can get free, on loan, NHS hearing
aids. The aids will be supplied with If you are not supported by a local
batteries (and replacements) and fitted, authority and you are not getting
serviced and maintained free of charge. Income Support, Income-based
If you want more information, please Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related
ask your GP. Employment and Support Allowance or
PEOPLE LIVING IN A CARE HOME Child Tax Credit, you may still be able to
get help through the Low Income
These were previously called residential Scheme. Also check if you are in any of
care homes or nursing homes. Living the groups on pages 5–7.
in care home does not automatically
entitle you to help.
• if you are under 60 and getting NHS IN-PATIENTS
Income Support or Income-related
You get free:
Employment and Support Allowance
• all NHS treatment,
– read pages 17-18
• NHS wigs and fabric supports
• if you are 60 or over and getting
supplied while in hospital
Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• glasses or contact lenses supplied
– read page 19
through the hospital eye department
• if the local Authority helps you with
36 HC11 – Help with health costs OTHER GROUPS 37if clinically necessary (but you must test as part of the management of
choose the cheapest frame available). your eye condition while you are
If you choose a more expensive one still a patient of the hospital eye
(except for medical reasons), you will department, that sight test is free.
have to pay the difference If your consultant decides that for
• medication given to you while you clinical reasons a change of glasses or
are still an in-patient to take home contact lenses is needed shortly after
with you when you leave hospital. you have bought a pair, you will not
be charged for the second pair. You
NOTE: If you ask a dentist or optician to may also get help towards the first
visit you in hospital, you will have to pair if you are in one of the groups
pay the cost in the normal way, as if entitled to a voucher – read page 12
you were being treated at their • medication supplied by a PCT or Trust
practice. Read pages 5–7 to see if you or by a Patient Group Direction for
are in a group that can get free NHS the treatment of Tuberculosis
dental treatment, a free NHS sight test • medication supplied by a PCT or Trust
or vouchers towards your glasses. or by a Patient Group Direction to a
person subject to a supervised
community treatment order for the
NHS OUT-PATIENTS/DAY PATIENTS treatment of a mental disorder.
You get free: PEOPLE WHO NEED TO TRAVEL TO
• all medication given to take RECEIVE NHS TREATMENT
while you’re being treated at the
hospital. But you pay a prescription You may be entitled to help with your
charge(s) for any medication you travelling costs if:
are prescribed to take at home, • you attend a hospital, or other place,
unless you’re entitled to free to receive NHS treatment under the
NHS prescriptions care of a consultant, or through a
• medication supplied at a hospital referral by a doctor or dentist. This
to treat an STI includes tests and check-ups and visits
• NHS dental treatment carried out at for treatment of STIs
the hospital (but there may be a • you travel by the cheapest means
charge for dentures and bridges of transport which it is reasonable
unless you are entitled to free NHS for you to use
dental treatment) • in the opinion of your doctor, you
• sight tests. If your consultant refers need someone to travel with you,
you to an optometrist for a sight your companion’s travel costs are
38 HC11 – Help with health costs OTHER GROUPS 39added to your travel costs and it’s consultant, or through a referral by a
your income that counts doctor or dentist – read pages 39-40.
• you are getting benefits or
credits – read pages 17-23 Regardless of your income, you can get
• you have a low income – read help with the cost of return travel from
pages 24-27 the point where you leave GB to where
• you are 16 or over but under 20 you are going to be treated. Your
and are counted as a dependant method of travel (e.g. air or rail) and
of someone getting any of the the cost must be agreed before you
benefits/credits on pages 17-23, you travel by the person arranging your
get help via that benefit or credit treatment. If the person arranging your
• you are 16 and over and not a treatment considers that you need
dependant of a person who gets someone to travel with you, ask them
benefits or credits, you can make about help with your companion’s
your own claim, even if you live with travel costs.
your parents – read pages 24-27
• the patient is a child under 16; it OTHER TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
is their parent’s income that counts.
If someone else takes them to The Isles of Scilly
hospital, it is still the parents’ You get help with the cost of travel to a
income that counts. mainland hospital for NHS treatment.
Leaflet HC12 tells you how much this is.
If you are not sure what travel costs you See your health centre before you
can get help with, ask the hospital travel.
before you travel. For more information
go to: www.dh.gov.uk and use the There is a set maximum you have to pay
advanced search facility to look up unless you get free travel, or help with
NHS travel costs. the costs. Leaflet HC12 tells you how
much this is.
NHS TREATMENT ABROAD
Claiming help when you go for
You may be able to get help with the treatment
cost of travel from your home to the
international rail terminal, port or NHS PRESCRIPTIONS
airport where you leave Great Britain.
The arrangements are the same as if you People who do not have to pay should
were travelling from home to receive fill in the back of their prescription
NHS treatment under the care of a form. Put a cross in the first box in
40 HC11 – Help with health costs CLAIMING HELP WHEN YOU GO FOR TREATMENT 41Part 1 that applies to you and complete for details of charges.
and sign Part 3 on the back of the
prescription form. If someone else If your circumstances change before you
(your representative) goes to get your are asked to pay, read page 9 to see if
prescription, they should complete you are entitled to free NHS dental
the back of the prescription form. Or treatment.
you can do this before you give them
the prescription form. You, or your You will be asked to show proof of your
representative, may be asked to show entitlement to help with dental costs –
proof of your entitlement to free check the tables on pages 62-67 for
prescriptions – check the tables on more information about this.
pages 56-61 for more information
about this. When you claim help with the cost of
your NHS dental treatment, you are
If you are under 16 years of age or responsible for knowing whether or not
aged 60 or over and your date of birth you are entitled and for the declaration
is printed on the prescription form you you make. If you are not sure you are
do not need to make a signed entitled to help then you must pay.
declaration. You can claim a refund, make sure you
keep all receipts (see page 51).
NHS DENTAL TREATMENT
SIGHT TESTS
Tell the dentist you want NHS
treatment when you make the When you go for your sight test, tell
appointment. Sign the form you are the optician if you are entitled to a
given when you go for treatment. free NHS sight test and ask for Form
If you do not have to pay, put a cross GOS1 to apply for it.
in the appropriate box. If you have • If you have a valid HC2 certificate
a valid HC2 certificate or Tax Credit for full help or Tax Credit Exemption
Exemption Certificate, write in the Certificate, you must show it to your
certificate number. optician.
• If you are severely sight-impaired/
If you have a valid HC3 certificate, blind or sight-impaired/partially
write in the certificate number and the sighted, the name and address
maximum your certificate says you can of the Local Authority where
pay. You will pay either what appears you’re registered has to be put
on the certificate or the actual charge, on Form GOS1.
whichever is the least. See leaflet HC12 • If you have diabetes or glaucoma,
42 HC11 – Help with health costs CLAIMING HELP WHEN YOU GO FOR TREATMENT 43or have been advised by an and sign GOS3 when you order your
ophthalmologist that you are at lenses or glasses to say why you
risk of glaucoma, the name and are entitled to the voucher and to
address of your doctor has to be confirm that you have received your
put on form GOS1. glasses or contact lenses. Show the
• If you already need a complex lens, if optician proof of your entitlement
possible show the optician your last to use a voucher.
prescription or the glasses you • If you have a valid HC3 certificate,
are wearing. you can ask for a GOS3 voucher form.
Show your HC3 to the optician when
The optician will give you Form GOS2 you order glasses or contact lenses
showing the results of your sight test. and ask if you can get any help
towards the cost. Your voucher
If you have a valid HC3 Certificate, value will be reduced by the amount
show it to the optician and ask if you shown on your HC3.
are entitled to any help with the cost
of your private sight test. You apply You may be asked to show proof of
for this help on Form GOS5. your entitlement to a free sight test or
optical voucher. Check the tables on
NHS VOUCHERS FOR GLASSES OR pages 68-75.
CONTACT LENSES
NHS VOUCHERS FOR REPAIR OR
• There is more information about REPLACEMENT OF GLASSES OR
using vouchers on the back of your CONTACT LENSES
GOS2 form.
• You may be entitled to a GOS Ask your optician for Form GOS4 – it
voucher if you have a new or tells you what to do.
changed prescription, or your glasses
need replacing on the grounds of fair TRAVEL TO RECEIVE NHS TREATMENT
wear and tear. Ask for a GOS3 UNDER THE CARE OF A CONSULTANT,
voucher form when you have your OR THROUGH A REFERRAL BY A
sight test, or when you order your DOCTOR OR DENTIST
glasses or contact lenses. A GOS3
If you are referred for treatment under
voucher form is valid for two years,
the care of a consultant, or referred by
but you can only use it if you are still
a doctor or dentist, and you travel to
entitled to a voucher for glasses or
receive that treatment you can claim
contact lenses when you order them.
help with the cost of your travel on low
• The optician will ask you to fill in
44 HC11 – Help with health costs CLAIMING HELP WHEN YOU GO FOR TREATMENT 45income grounds. If you are referred by For each item, the most you will pay
a doctor or dentist to the same will be the amount on the certificate or
premises but on a different day you can the actual cost – whichever is the least.
claim for that travel cost.
Checks of entitlement
When you go for treatment, tell the
hospital (or place where you are being If you are claiming free treatment, or
treated) that you want to claim back you are using an optical voucher, you
the cost of your journey. Where your should show proof of why you do not
place of treatment has a cashier facility have to pay or why you can use a
you will be able to claim your money voucher. For example, an entitlement
back during your visit. You will be letter, birth certificate or NHS
asked to show proof of your exemption certificate. For more
entitlement, such as your award notice, information about this – read the
your tax credit exemption certificate or tables on pages 56-75.
your HC2 certificate.
Also keep any tickets or receipts you
have as proof of the cost. If you cannot show proof, you will have
to sign to say why you do not have to
Where your place of treatment does pay (or can have an optical voucher)
not issue payments (e.g. a GP practice and you will get your NHS treatment
or dental surgery) you will need to free, or be able to use your optical
claim your expenses using claim form voucher. But your treatment form will
HC5(T). It tells you what to do. be marked as ‘no evidence seen’ so your
entitlement can be checked later. You
NHS WIGS AND FABRIC SUPPORTS won’t be able to get partial help unless
you show your HC3.
Tell the person who fits your wig or
fabric support that you are entitled If you are not sure you are entitled to
to it free, and show proof of your help with health costs then you must
entitlement or war pension exemption pay. You can claim a refund, make sure
certificate. you keep all receipts (see page 48).
If you have a valid HC3 certificate, show CHECKING YOUR ENTITLEMENT
it to the person who fits your wig or
fabric support and ask if you are Checks will be made as follows:
entitled to any help with the charge. • Free prescriptions. The checks will be
46 HC11 – Help with health costs CHECKS OF ENTITLEMENT 47made by your local Primary Care Claiming refunds
Trust (PCT).
• Full or partial help with NHS dental NHS PRESCRIPTION CHARGES
treatment. The checks will be made Ask your pharmacist, hospital or doctor
by the Dental Services Division of the for an NHS receipt form FP57 when you
NHS Business Services Authority. pay – you can’t get one later. The
• Free NHS sight tests and vouchers receipt form tells you what to do. You
towards the cost of glasses or contact have to apply for a refund within 3
lenses. The checks will be made by months of paying the prescription
your local PCT. charge.
PRESCRIPTION PREPAYMENT
The penalty charge CERTIFICATE (PPC) FEES
Any patient found to have wrongly Full refunds
claimed help with health costs will face The patient’s estate can get a full
penalty charges and, in some cases, refund if, within the first month of a 3
prosecution under powers introduced by or 12-month PPC:
the Health Act 1999. • the PPC holder dies; or
The penalty charge is a civil fine and • goes into hospital and dies there
may be imposed where a patient is before the certificate runs out.
found to have wrongly claimed total
or partial help with health costs. The Proportional refunds
penalty charge is five times the amount You can get a proportional refund of
owed, up to a maximum of £100. This your PPC if during the first month of a
is in addition to the original charge. 3-month PPC or before the start of the
Payment will be pursued by civil last month of a 12-month PPC, any of
recovery if necessary. the following happens:
• you become entitled to free
For further information about penalty prescriptions and, if applicable,
charges pick up leaflet HC12 A quick you have a valid NHS exemption
guide to help with health costs certificate
including charges and optical voucher • you go into hospital and remain
values, you may be able to get one from there until the expiry of the
your doctor. Or ring 0845 610 1112 to prepayment certificate.
order a copy, go to www.cfsms.nhs.uk,
click on ‘Documents’ and go to ‘Penalty The patients estate can receive a
Charge Guidance’. Or ring 0845 850 proportional refund of the PPC if after
1166 for advice. the first month of a 3 or 12-month PPC:
48 HC11 – Help with health costs CLAIMING REFUNDS 49• the PPC holder dies, or to claim a refund.
• goes into hospital and dies there
before the certificate runs out. If you are paying by Direct Debit and
become exempt you will be required to
The money refunded will be the contact your bank or building society to
difference between the amount due for cancel the payments.
the months before you became exempt
and the amount actually paid. For
example, a 12-month PPC starts in June, Time limits for making PPC refund
the holder dies in January, refund for claims
February to May of 4/12 of the fee paid. You must make your claim for a refund
Refunds where the full PPC price has so it is received within the following
not been paid time limits:
• Following the death of the PPC
If the PPC holder chose to pay for a holder – claim within 24 months
12-month PPC by 10 monthly Direct of death.
Debit instalments and full payment has • You go into hospital and remain
not been made, the amount of refund there until the certificate expires:
you, or the patient’s estate if the PPC claim must be received within 3
holder dies, can get is: months of the PPC expiry date.
• the amount of refund payable had • If you become entitled to free
the PPC holder paid in full, as prescriptions: claim must be received
outlined in previous paragraphs; plus within 3 months of becoming
• the amount the PPC holder has paid exempt.
to date; minus
• the full 12-month PPC price. OTHER REFUNDS
Making the claim You will need a receipt which shows
you have paid for NHS treatment (see
If you wish to claim a refund for any following paragraphs for details). For
of the reasons listed, send the original income-based claims, use form HC5
certificate to: appropriate to the charge you have
NHS Business Services Authority paid, available from Jobcentre Plus
PO Box 854 offices, NHS hospitals, at
Newcastle-upon-Tyne www.dh.gov.uk/helpwithhealthcosts or
NE99 2DE by calling 0845 610 1112. Your dentist
or optician may have one too. The HC5
telling them the reason why you want tells you what to do. You will need to
50 HC11 – Help with health costs CLAIMING REFUNDS 51write a letter (enclosing your receipt) to dental treatment or sundry items such
apply for a refund for other reasons. as toothbrushes cannot be made.
You will need to send this letter to the Where a course of treatment is a
Primary Care trust covering your home mixture of NHS and private treatment a
address. You have to claim a refund refund of the NHS charge only can be
within three months of paying the made.
health cost.
The Dental Services Division will check
that you received NHS treatment and
NHS DENTAL CHARGES paid the charge claimed before sending
Ask your dentist for NHS receipt form out payment.
FP64 or a receipt which shows the
amount of the NHS charge and the date SIGHT TEST FEES
you paid. Ask the person who tests your sight for
a receipt that shows that you paid for
If you are claiming on the grounds
the test and the date of payment.
of low income, complete form HC5(D).
Complete an HC5(O) refund claim form.
It tells you where to send the
The HC5(O) tells you what to do next.
completed form.
If you want to claim a refund for GLASSES OR CONTACT LENS COSTS
another reason, for example, because If you have already used a voucher
you are pregnant, have had a baby in towards the cost of your glasses or
the previous 12 months, are aged under lenses, you cannot get a refund unless it
18 or are aged 18 in full-time education was only a ‘complex lens’ voucher. Nor
you will need to explain why you are can you claim a refund of the difference
claiming a refund. Enclose your receipt between the voucher value and the
and make sure you include your full actual cost of your glasses or lenses,
name and the address of your dentist, even if they cost more than the voucher
and write to: value.
NHS Business Services Authority, Dental If you want to claim a refund, ask the
Services Division, Compton Place Road, person who supplies your glasses or
Eastbourne, East Sussex BN20 8AD. contact lenses for a receipt which
shows how much you paid and the date
If you are a War Pensioner - read page
of payment. Complete an HC5(O)
28.
refund form and make sure you enclose
NOTE: Refunds of charges for private your optical prescription and your
52 HC11 – Help with health costs CLAIMING REFUNDS 53receipt with your HC5(O) when you NHS WIGS AND FABRIC SUPPORTS
send it off. The form tells you what to CHARGES
do. The maximum refund you can get
back will be the voucher value which Ask the hospital for a receipt that shows
matches your prescription. that you have paid an NHS charge, and
complete an HC5(W) refund claim form.
The form tells you what do.
Lost or damaged glasses The HC5(W) is available at
or contact lenses www.dh.gov.uk/helpwithhealthcosts
If your glasses or contact lenses have
been lost or damaged and you pay for WAR PENSIONERS
replacement or repairs, you will only
You can claim money back for dental
be considered for a refund if you are
treatment, travel costs, sight tests, glasses
entitled to a voucher. But, your Primary
or contact lenses if the treatment, or the
Care Trust has to agree that the loss or
reason for travel, is for your accepted
damage was due to illness before
disablement.
payment can be made – read page 35.
Write to: The Treatment Group, Service
TRAVEL COSTS TO RECEIVE Personnel and Veterans Agency, Norcross,
NHS TREATMENT Blackpool FY5 3WP. You can get a pre-paid
addressed envelope from Post Offices.
If you receive NHS treatment under the
care of a consultant, or through a
referral by a doctor or dentist, usually an
NHS hospital will give you your refund
when you go for treatment. If this is not
possible, ask the hospital for an HC5(T)
refund claim form – it tells you what to
do. If you receive NHS treatment under
the care of a consultant, or through a
referral by a doctor or dentist other than
at an NHS hospital, ask for form HC5(T)
when you go for treatment.
54 HC11 – Help with health costs CLAIMING REFUNDS 55FREE NHS PRESCRIPTIONS
Proof of entitlement
You can get free The proof you
Where and how to get proof
prescriptions if you are: need to have
Under 16 If your date of birth is NHS medical cards are sent to you when you are
60 or over printed on your first registered as a patient with a GP. If you need
prescription you will a card, contact your local Primary Care Trust.
not need to make a NOTE: Some Primary Care Trusts no longer issue
declaration or show NHS medical cards; in this case use one of the
proof. If your date of other documents mentioned.
birth is not printed on
your prescription, show
your NHS medical card,
current Child Benefit
award notice, pension
award notice, passport,
birth certificate, driving
license, or any other
official papers
showing your name
and date of birth.
Aged 16, 17 or 18 in A current Child Benefit The Child Benefit Centre. 0845 302 1444.
full-time education award notice. You can Your school, college, university or local education
show proof of your authority can give you proof that you are in
date of birth (which qualifying full-time education (see page 15).
might be on your
prescription – see
above) and proof that
you are a full-time
student.
Aged 19 in full-time A current Child Benefit The tax credit award notice or decision letter
education or training award notice and are issued to the person receiving tax credits for you.
named on a qualifying
tax credit award notice
or decision letter.
56 HC11 – Help with health costs FREE NHS PRESCRIPTIONS 57You can also read
