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Prescriptions and prescribing

Basics about help with NHS charges

Last modified date:

3 December 2009

Entitlement to help with health costs (NHS prescription and dental charges, optical and hospital travel costs) is based on the principle that those who can afford to contribute should do so, while those who are likely to have difficulty in paying should be protected.

Who can get help?

People can get help on age or medical grounds or by being in receipt of one of the exempting benefits or tax credits (see leaflet HC11 for more information).

HC11 Help with health costs - in English and other languages (opens new window)

Low income?

People who have to pay NHS charges may be able to get help under the NHS Low Income Scheme. The amount of help is based on a comparison between a person's income and requirements at the time that a claim is made or a charge was paid.

Capital limits

No help is available if a person has capital/savings of:

more than 23,000 (from 5 April 2009) if a person lives permanently in a care home, £16,000 in any other case.

How do I make a low income claim?

You need to complete form HC1 - this form cannot be downloaded from the web. You can obtain a hard copy by calling the DH Publications Orderline on 0845 610 1112, Textphone number 08700 102 870, to get an HC1 and pre-paid return envelope or order it free online. Jobcentre Plus offices and NHS hospitals should also have HC1s available. Some GPs, dentists, opticians might also have them.

When you have filled in the HC1 you should send it to: Patient Services, Sandyford House, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1DB - in the prepaid envelope provided.

Form HC1 should be used

to claim help with paying for:
NHS prescriptions
NHS dental treatment
NHS wigs and fabric supports
Sight tests, glasses and contact lenses
Travel for NHS treatment under the care of a consultant
to claim help for:
you
your partner
your children

You can fill in this form at any time before you need treatment. You don't have to wait until you need help with paying health costs.

Don't use Form HC1:

as you cannot get help if you or your partner have more than:
£16,000 in property, savings or any other money (don't count the place where you live)
Note - if you have a partner, their property, savings or any other money is counted with yours
23,000 (from 5 April 2009) in property, savings or any other money if you live permanently in a care home
you are already entitled to full help with health costs if you or your partner are getting:
Income Support
Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
or if you are named on Tax Credit NHS Exemption Certificate

But, if you paid any health costs before you were getting any of these benefits or credits, read the back cover of the form when you get it to see if you can claim your money back.