Help with NHS costs

NHS patients often need to pay towards the cost of prescriptions, dental care, eye care, wigs and fabric supports but some patients do not have to pay some or all of these costs due to their low income.  However, because the rules are complicated, we regularly see clients who have been fined for claiming free treatment when they weren’t actually eligible.  

It's your responsibility to check whether you're entitled to claim for free treatment or prescriptions.  This guide sets out the current rules but be aware that they may change.  You can check your eligibility using the following link https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/when-you-need-to-pay-towards-nhs-care/

Patients found to have wrongly claimed exemption from charges will have to pay the charge due and may have to pay a penalty charge of up to £100. They may also be prosecuted for an offence that can lead to a criminal record.

NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS)

If you have a low income, you may be able to get help with NHS costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme.

You can apply for the scheme as long as your savings, investments or property (not including where you live) do not exceed the capital limit which is £23,250 for people who live permanently in a care home and £16,000 for everyone else.

You can find out more about NHS LIS on their website https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-low-income-scheme or call 0300 330 1343. Telephone lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, and Saturday 9am to 3pm.

Benefits which entitle you to full help with NHS health costs

• Income Support

• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit

Help with health costs for people getting Universal Credit

If you receive Universal Credit, you qualify for help with health costs if, on the date you claim, you either:

• receive Universal Credit and either had no earnings or had take-home pay of £435 or less in your last Universal Credit assessment period

• receive Universal Credit, which includes an element for a child, or you (or your partner) had limited capability for work (LCW) or limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA), and you either had no earnings or take-home pay of £935 or less in your last Universal Credit assessment period

You should present a copy of your Universal Credit award notice to prove your entitlement.

This information is taken from one of our trusted resources, the NHS UK website.

If you would like help with checking your eligibility for help with NHS Health Costs, then please contact the Advice Centre. 

PWCAC is OPEN for face-to-face advice (appointments and drop-ins) Monday to Friday, 9:30 – 1:30. If you need advice about welfare benefits, housing and homelessness, debt, relationship breakdown, consumer issues or anything else, get in touch:  info@pwadvice.org | 01892 838619    94 Commercial Road, Paddock Wood, TN12 6DP