Who qualifies for help with health costs?

There are separate leaflets giving details on each of the above health costs and who does not have to pay them. Briefly, some people automatically qualify for help. For example:

• You may be automatically exempt from paying certain health costs for reasons such as age, if you have certain health conditions, pregnancy, or recent childbirth. For example: children do not pay prescription charges; pregnant women do not pay NHS dental charges; etc;

• If you receive Income Support, income based Jobseeker's Allowance, or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, you are entitled to help with certain health costs;

• If you receive certain Tax Credits you may be entitled to help with certain health costs if your income is low enough;

• Patients who have to pay for more than 4 prescription items in 3 months or 14 items in 12 months may find it cheaper to buy a pre-payment certificate (PPC)

If you do not automatically qualify, but have a low income, you may also be eligible for help.

IMPORTANT - some people can get free prescriptions. You should check leaflet HC11 to see if you could get free prescriptions before buying a PPC.

How can I apply for help with health costs?

If you are on low income and are not automatically exempt from a charge, you may be eligible for help. Your entitlement to help is based on your circumstances such as your level of income, savings, etc. Use form HC1 'Claim for help with health costs'. See below on how to get this form. You have to fill in the form giving various details of your circumstances. If your application is successful, you will receive either certificate HC2 or HC3.

• Certificate HC2 means that you will not need to pay the following health costs: prescription charges; NHS dental charges; eye tests, glasses and contact lenses; travel to hospital for NHS treatment; wigs and fabric supports.

• Certificate HC3 provides partial help. You will need to pay some of the costs yourself.

Certificates are normally sent within four weeks of a claim being received. They are usually valid for six months. If your circumstances remain unchanged after six months then, if necessary, you should make a new claim before the current certificate expires.

How can I claim a refund for a health cost already paid?

If you are issued with certificate HC2 or HC3, you may be able to claim a refund if you have recently paid for a health cost mentioned above. Claims must be received within three months of you paying the charge. Ask for a receipt - you will need it for your claim. To claim for prescription charges use form FP57 available from your pharmacist. All other refunds for costs listed above should be claimed using form HC5.

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