Website of the Department of Health

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 £22,250 (from 1 May 2008) 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 must obtain a hard copy. Ring the DH Publications Orderline on 0845 610 1112, Textphone number 08700 102 870, to get an HC1 and pre-paid return envelope. 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 health costs 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
    
• You might be able to get them free, or get help with paying for them
  
  
• to claim help for:
• you
  your partner
  your children
  
  
• 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
  £22,250 (from 1 May 2008) 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.