Help with health costs - NHS

Help withhealth costs

Can you get help with the cost of:

HC11

Prescriptions

Dental treatment

Sight tests

Travel to receive NHStreatment?

Glasses orcontact lenses

Wigs or fabric supportsfrom a hospital

Effective from 1 April 2008

HC11 – Help withhealth costs

HOW TO USE THIS BOOKLET

You can quickly check if you areentitled to free treatment by going tothe Quick check guides which start onpage 8.

For more detailed guidance you needto go to the Contents list starting onpage 5 and find the group you mosteasily fit into, then go to the pagenumber shown (for example, if youare 60 or over, go to page 16).

After reading about the group thatmost applies to you, check to see if anyothers also apply (you may fit into morethan one group).

For instance, you might be:

• 60 or over and also have a lowincome

• pregnant and also have a lowincome.

If this applies to you, you need to makesure you read about both groups.

When you have found the group, orgroups, you belong to and what helpyou can get, go on to page 41. This tellsyou how to get help with NHS costswhen you go for treatment.

REFUNDS There is also informationabout refunds in this booklet – readpages 48-55.

3

Introduction

This booklet gives guidance about NHScharging arrangements in England only.

The National Health Service (NHS) is,primarily, for the benefit of peopleresident in the United Kingdom (UK). Ifa person is accepted for NHS treatment,eligibility for exemption from chargesfor NHS treatment is based on theconditions described in this booklet.

Most NHS treatment is free, althoughthere can be charges for some things.This booklet sets out information aboutwho does not have to pay charges andalso tells you about the help you mightget with the cost of the following if youare on a low income:

• NHS prescriptions• NHS dental treatment• NHS Sight tests• Glasses and contact lenses• Necessary costs of travel to receive

NHS treatment under the care of aconsultant, or through a referral by adoctor or dentist

• NHS wigs and fabric supports(whenever we say ‘fabric supports’we mean spinal or abdominalsupports or surgical brassieressupplied through a hospital).

2 HC11 – Help with health costs INTRODUCTION

Contents

QUICK CHECK GUIDESNHS prescriptions 8NHS dental treatment 9NHS sight tests 10NHS optical vouchers 12NHS travel costs 13NHS wigs and fabric supports 14

AGE GROUPSChildren under 16 15Young people aged 16, 17 and 18 in full-time education 15Other young people not in full time education 16People 60 or over 16

INCOME GROUPSPeople getting benefits or tax credits 17Income Support 17Jobseeker’s Allowance 17Pension Credit Guarantee Credit 18Other benefits 19Tax credits 20People with a low income 23

OTHER GROUPSWar pensioners 28People from abroad 28People with a specified medicalcondition 30

5

PENALTY CHARGES If you are found tohave made a wrongful claim for helpwith health costs, you will face penaltycharges and may be prosecuted underpowers introduced by the Health Act1999 – read page 47.

CURRENT RATES The current rates ofNHS charges and optical voucher valuesin England are listed in the separateleaflet HC12.

Go to page 76 to find out how to getthis leaflet.

THIS LEAFLET GIVES GENERAL GUIDANCE ONLY

AND SHOULD NOT BE TREATED AS A COMPLETE

AND AUTHORITATIVE STATEMENT OF LAW.

4 HC11 – Help with health costs CONTENTS

CHECKS OF ENTITLEMENTChecking your entitlement 46

PENALTY CHARGE 48

CLAIMING REFUNDSNHS prescription charges 48Prescription prepaymentcertificate (PPC) fees 49Other refunds 51NHS dental charges 52Sight test fees 53Glasses or contact lens costs 53Travel costs to receive NHStreatment 54NHS wig and fabric support charges 54War pensioners 55

PROOF OF ENTITLEMENT TABLESNHS prescriptions 56NHS dental treatment 62NHS sight tests 68NHS sight tests and optical vouchers 72

ORDERING FORMS AND LEAFLETS 76

ADVICE LINES 78

7

Pregnant women and those who havehad a baby in the previous12 months 32People who need lots of prescriptions 33People registered severelysight-impaired/blind orsight-impaired/partially sighted 34People who need complex lenses 34People who have lost or damagedtheir glasses or contact lenses 35People with impaired hearing 35People living in a care home 36People supported by a local authority after leaving care 36NHS in-patients 37NHS out-patients/day patients 38People who need to travel to receive NHS treatment 38NHS treatment abroad 40Isles of Scilly 40

CLAIMING HELP WHEN YOU GO FOR TREATMENTNHS prescriptions 41NHS dental treatment 42Sight tests 43NHS vouchers for glasses or contactlenses 44NHS vouchers for repair or replacementof glasses or contact lenses 45Travel to receive NHS treatmentunder the care of a consultant 45NHS wigs and fabric supports 46

6 HC11 – Help with health costs CONTENTS

Supplied free:• medication administered at a hospital

or an NHS Walk in Centre• prescribed contraceptives• medication personally administered

by a GP• medication supplied at a hospital or

PCT clinic for the treatment of asexually transmissible infection (STI).

NOTE: if you need a wig or fabric supportread page 14.

NHS DENTAL TREATMENT

You can get free NHS dental treatment if:

• when the treatment starts you are: • aged under 18• aged 18 in full-time education• pregnant, or have had a baby

in the 12 months before treatmentstarts

• an NHS in-patient and thetreatment is carried out by thehospital dentist

• an NHS Hospital Dental Serviceout-patient*

* There may be a charge fordentures and bridges.

9

Quick check guides

NHS PRESCRIPTIONS

You can get free NHS prescriptions if atthe time the prescription is dispensedyou:• are aged 60 or over• are under 16• are aged 16, 17 or 18 in full-time

education• are pregnant, or have had a baby in

the previous 12 months and have avalid exemption certificate

• have a listed medical condition andhave a valid exemption certificate

• have a continuing physical disabilitywhich means you cannot go outwithout help from another personand have a valid exemptioncertificate

• are an NHS in-patient• are getting, or your partner gets:

– Income Support – Income-based Jobseeker’s

Allowance (Incapacity Benefit orDisability Living Allowance do notcount, as they are not income-related)

– Pension Credit Guarantee Credit• are entitled to, or named on, a valid

NHS tax credit exemption certificate• are named on a valid HC2 certificate• are a war pensioner, the prescription

is for your accepted disablement andyou have a valid war pensionexemption certificate.

8 HC11 – Help with health costs QUICK CHECK GUIDES

• are aged 40 or over and are a parent,brother, sister, son or daughter of adiagnosed glaucoma patient

• have been diagnosed as diabetic• are registered as severely sight-

impaired/blind or sight-impaired/partially sighted

• need complex lenses• are someone whose sight test is

carried out through the hospitaleye department as part of themanagement of your eye condition

• are getting, or your partner gets:– Income Support– Income-based Jobseeker’s

Allowance (Incapacity Benefit orDisability Living Allowance do notcount as they are not income-related)


NHS tax credit exemption certificate• are named on a valid HC2 certificate.

Partial help: if you are named on a validHC3 certificate you might get some helptowards the cost of a private sight test.

War pensioners – read page 28.

11

• when the treatment starts or when the charge is made:

• you are getting, or your partner gets:– Income Support – Income-based Jobseeker’s

Allowance (Incapacity Benefit or Disability Living Allowance do not count as they are not income-related)

– Pension Credit Guarantee Credit• you are entitled to, or named on, a

valid NHS tax credit exemptioncertificate

• you are named on a valid HC2certificate.

Partial help: if you are named on avalid HC3 certificate you might getsome help towards the cost of yourNHS dental treatment.


NHS SIGHT TESTS

You can get free sights tests if you:• are under 16• are aged 16,17 or 18 in full-time

education • are aged 60 or over• are a diagnosed glaucoma patient• have been advised by an

ophthalmologist that you are at riskof glaucoma


NHS TRAVEL COSTS

You can get help with necessary travelcosts to receive NHS treatment underthe care of a consultant, or through areferral by a doctor or dentist if you:• are getting, or your partner gets:

– Income Support– Income-based Jobseeker’s



NHS tax credit exemption certificate• are named on a valid HC2 certificate

(includes travel by yourdependent children)

• are a war pensioner and thetreatment is for your accepteddisablement

Children under 16 and young people 16and over – read pages 38-39.

Partial help: if you are named on avalid HC3 certificate you might getsome help.

13

NHS OPTICAL VOUCHERS

You can get vouchers towards the costsof glasses or contact lenses if you:• are under 16• are aged 16, 17 or 18 in full-time

education• need complex lenses – read page 34• are getting, or your partner gets:

– Income Support– Income-based Jobseeker’s




Partial help: if you are named on a validHC3 certificate, you might get somehelp.

NOTE: If your glasses or contact lensescost more than your voucher value, youwill have to pay the difference.


NHS VOUCHERS FOR REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF GLASSES OR CONTACT LENSES

You can get vouchers if you:• are under 16 (if you are 16 or over,

conditions apply – read page 35).


Age groups

CHILDREN UNDER 16 AND YOUNGPEOPLE AGED 16, 17 AND 18 INFULL-TIME EDUCATION

Full-time education means you must bereceiving full-time instruction from arecognised educational establishment,such as a school, college or university.To be a ‘recognised establishment’ theplace where you are studying must havea Department of Education and Skills(DfES) Establishment Number, and beregistered on the DfES database. If it isnot registered with the DfES, you stillmay be able to claim for help withhealth costs under the NHS Low IncomeScheme – read pages 23-27.

You are not considered to be receivingfull-time education once you havefinished your A Levels (or equivalent) asyou will have come off a school orcollege register and have not actuallystarted at college/university.

You get free:• NHS prescriptions• NHS dental treatment for any course

of treatment that starts before your19th birthday

• NHS sight tests• NHS wigs and fabric supports.

You also get:• vouchers towards the cost of

glasses or contact lenses

15

NHS WIGS AND FABRIC SUPPORTS

You can get free wigs and fabricsupports if you:• are under 16• are aged 16, 17 or 18 in full-time

education• are a hospital in-patient • are a war pensioner and the wig or

fabric support is for your accepteddisablement and you have a validwar pension exemption certificate

• are getting or your partner gets:– Income Support – Income-based Jobseeker’s

Allowance (Incapacity Benefit or Disability Living Allowance do not count as they are not income-related)



Partial help: if you are named on avalid HC3 certificate you might getsome help.

14 HC11 – Help with health costs AGE GROUPS

Income groups

PEOPLE GETTING BENEFITS OR TAXCREDITS

Either you or your partner may begetting the benefit or credit.

If you are waiting for your claim to besettled and need help urgently with anyhealth costs – read pages 23-27.

INCOME SUPPORT (IS)

You and your partner get free:• NHS prescriptions• NHS dental treatment• NHS sight tests• NHS wigs and fabric supports.

You and your partner also get:• a voucher towards the cost of glasses

or contact lenses• refunds of necessary travel costs to

receive NHS treatment under the careof a consultant, or through a referralby a doctor or dentist.

This also applies to any dependentchildren and young people under 20included in your Income Support claim.

INCOME-BASED JOB SEEKER’SALLOWANCE – JSA (IB)

You and your partner are entitled tothe same things as people gettingIncome Support – see above.

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• if you have lost or damaged yourglasses or contact lenses –read page 35

• if you need help with travel costs forNHS treatment – read pages 38-39.

OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE NOT IN FULL-TIME EDUCATION

You get free:• NHS dental treatment for any course

of treatment which starts before your18th birthday.

You also get help:• with travel costs for NHS treatment –

read pages 38-39• if you are aged 16 or 17 and are

supported by a Local Authoritybecause you have recently left LocalAuthority care – read page 36

• if you do not have much money to pay other health costs, you can stillclaim for help – read pages 23-27.

PEOPLE AGED 60 OR OVER

You get free:• NHS prescriptions• NHS sight tests.

If you need help with other healthcosts, check to see if you fit into any ofthe groups listed on pages 5–7.

16 HC11 – Help with health costs INCOME GROUPS

How to check if you are gettingPension Credit Guarantee CreditYour award notice tells you what typeof Pension Credit you get. This is shownat item 5 on the page entitled ‘Howyour Pension Credit has been workedout’. If you have not received an awardnotice, or have mislaid it, you shouldring the Pension Centre on local callrate number 0845 6060 265 and ask fora copy.

OTHER BENEFITS

Only IS, JSA (IB) and Pension CreditGuarantee Credit give you automatichelp with health costs.

IMPORTANT: Other benefits, such asIncapacity Benefit or Disability LivingAllowance, do not entitle you to helpwith health costs. This is because they arenot income related. If you have to payhealth costs, check to see if you are inany of the other groups listed on pages5–7. You can also get help if you are ona low income – read pages 23-27.

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CONTRIBUTION-BASED JSA – JSA(C)

IMPORTANT: On its own, JSA(C) does notentitle you to help with health costs. Ifyou have to pay health costs, check tosee if you are in any of the groupslisted on pages 5–7. You might be ableto get help if you are on a low income –read pages 23-27.

If you are not sure about the type ofJSA you are getting, ask at yourJobcentre Plus office.

PENSION CREDIT GUARANTEE CREDIT

If you get:• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit with

Savings Credit, or • If you are aged under 60 and your

partner gets either of the above, youare entitled to the same help withhealth costs as people getting Income Support – see page 17.

IMPORTANT: If you only get Pension CreditSavings Credit on its own, this does notentitle you to help with health costs. Ifyou have to pay health costs, check tosee if you are in any of the othergroups listed on pages 5–7. You mightbe able to get help if you are on a lowincome – read pages 23-27.


To qualify for help with health costs:• your family income for tax credits

must be £15,050* or less (this is onyour tax credit award notice issuedby HM Revenue and Customs(HMRC)) and one of the followingapplies: – you are working and have children

so you get WTC and CTC, or– you are working and disabled so you

get WTC with a disability element(for you) or severe disability element(this might be for you or yourpartner) – check your award notice,or

– you are not eligible for WTC butget CTC.

* If you are reading this after 6 April2009, you should check to see if thisfigure has been increased.

To find out more about Tax Credits visitwww.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits.

If you are unsure about the amountof your income for tax credit purposes,you can check this with HMRC’s TaxCredit Helpline on: 0845 300 3900.

For people with hearing or speechdifficulties, HMRC’s Helpline number is0845 300 3909.

If you have made a claim for tax creditbut not yet received your award notice,you should contact the HMRC on theabove number (not the NHSBSA).

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TAX CREDITS

These are:• Working Tax Credit (WTC)• Child Tax Credit (CTC)

If you meet the qualifying conditions(read paragraph 3 in this section) youwill automatically be sent an NHS taxcredit exemption certificate by the NHSBusiness Services Authority (NHSBSA).You do not need to apply for acertificate – but read paragraph 7.

If you meet the qualifying conditionsyou can get free:

• NHS prescriptions • NHS dental treatment• NHS sight tests• NHS wigs and fabric supports.

You also get:• vouchers towards the cost of glasses

or contact lenses• refunds of necessary travel costs to

receive NHS treatment under the careof a consultant, or through a referralby a doctor or dentist.

This also applies to your partner or anydependent children and young peopleunder 20 included in your Tax Creditassessment.

20 HC11 – Help with health costs

3.

4.

5.

INCOME GROUPS

1.

2.

If you do not qualify for help throughTax Credit ExemptionIf you do not meet the conditions inparagraph 3, you may be able to claimhelp through the NHS Low IncomeScheme – read pages 23-27.

Ring HMRC’s Tax Credit Helpline on0845 300 3900 for advice about otherhelp (as well as help with health costs)that might be available through taxcredits.

THE NHS LOW INCOME SCHEME

If you have to pay for any of the itemslisted on page 2 of this leaflet, and areon a low income (for example, onIncapacity Benefit only), the NHS LowIncome Scheme may be able to helpyou with health costs. But if you havecapital which is over the capital limitswhich are currently £16,000 or £21,500*for people who live permanently in acare home, you cannot claim any helpthrough this scheme.

* If you are reading this after 1 May2008, you should check to see if thecapital limits have changed.

If you have a partner, their property,savings and any other money is countedwith yours.

23

NHS Tax Credit Exemption CertificatesHMRC will send information to theNHSBSA each month about peoplegetting tax credits who are entitled toan exemption certificate. The NHSBSAwill send out exemption certificates. Youdo not have to apply for one.

If you have an award but no certificateThe NHSBSA cannot send you anexemption certificate until they receivethe information from HMRC. This couldbe up to six weeks after you get your taxcredit award. If you meet the conditionsfor help listed in paragraph 3, you cansign NHS treatment forms to say you donot have to pay because you get taxcredits.

Use your award notice as evidence ofyour entitlement until your certificatearrives.

If you are still unsure about whether ornot you are entitled to an NHS taxcredit exemption certificate, ring theNHSBSA on 0845 609 9299, and haveyour tax credit award notice ready soyou can tell them what is on it.

If you lose your Tax Credit ExemptionCertificateTell the NHSBSA by writing to:Exemption Issue Office, PO Box 1011,Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE99 2ZP, and letthem know what happened. They willsend you a duplicate.


10.

11.

INCOME GROUPS

6.

7.

8.

9.

If you are aged 16 or over, you canmake your own claim on an HC1, butyou needn’t do this if you count as adependant of someone who is gettingany of the eligible benefits or creditslisted on pages 17–23.

If a dependent child under 16 has to goto for NHS treatment under the care ofa consultant, or through a referral by adoctor or dentist, you can claim helpwith their travel costs. Any help will bebased on the parent’s income, not thechild’s.

Fill in the HC1 or HC1(SC) and send itoff in the envelope that comes with it.The claim form tells you what to doand may ask you to send in evidenceof your income.

If you have any queries about how tofill in these forms, what to send, orneed help with translation you can callthe NHSBSA on 0845 850 1166, or writeto:

NHS Business Services Authority,Help with Health Costs,Sandyford House, Newcastle-upon-TyneNE2 1DB

After you have sent off the claim form,the NHSBSA use the information youhave supplied to work out how muchhelp you might get towards your healthcosts.

25

A partner is a person you live with aspart of a couple of the same oropposite sex, whether or not you aremarried or have a civil partnership.

Children will not be included in the NHSLow Income Scheme assessment. Youwill need to claim Child Tax Credit fromHMRC. To find out more about TaxCredits visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcreditsor phone 0845 300 3900.

If you would like to find out if the NHSLow Income scheme can help you, pickup an HC1 form (claim for help withhealth costs) from a Jobcentre Plusoffice or NHS hospital. Your dentist oroptician may have copies too, or ring0845 610 1112 for one.

You can fill in a special short claim form,the HC1(SC) if either of the followingapplies to you:• you live permanently in a care home

and the local authority helps youwith the cost

• you are supported by the localauthority because you are aged16 or 17 and recently left localauthority care.

Ask your home manager/localauthority/care worker for an HC1(SC)claim form. Otherwise, use the normalform, the HC1.


If you need help urgently with anyhealth costs before IS, JSA (IB), PensionCredit or tax credits are awarded, makea separate claim on an HC1. Do notwait for your benefit or credit claim tobe settled. But if you have a tax creditaward notice, read pages 20-23 to see ifyou can get help without making a lowincome claim.

If you do not want to delay your NHStreatment or repair/replacement ofglasses (but read page 35 first) or needemergency NHS dental treatment, youmay need to pay and claim a refundlater.

If you want to claim a refund of anyhealth cost – read pages 48-55.

27

To work out your low incomeentitlement, your income will becompared with your ‘requirements’(equivalent to income supportapplicable amounts), which includea personal allowance, premiums,plus housing costs and council taxyou have to pay. Your requirementsmay include a disability premium(for qualifying people) from 28 weeksafter you are unable to work. The HC1tells you more about this and explainswhat counts as income.

NHS Low Income Scheme CertificatesIf you qualify for help you will be sentan NHS certificate HC2 for full help oran NHS certificate HC3 for partial helpwith health costs. The certificate willtell you who it covers and how longit lasts.

People seeking asylum and who aresupported by the Border andImmigration Agency (BIA), includingthose on subsistence support only, willbe sent an NHS charges certificate (HC2)for full help with health costs with theirfirst support payments – also read pages28-29.

IMPORTANT: An HC2 certificate does notentitle you to NHS treatment. An HC2entitles you to full help with healthcosts if you have been accepted for NHStreatment.


Otherwise, you can make a claimunder the NHS Low Income Scheme– read pages 23-27.

Further information about people whocome from abroad can be found on theDepartment of Health website, atwww.dh.gov.uk/overseasvisitors

People seeking asylum and who aresupported by the Border andImmigration Agency (BIA), includingthose on subsistence support only, willbe sent an NHS charges certificate (HC2)for full help with health costs with theirfirst support payments.

People seeking asylum, who are not inone of the groups listed on pages 5-7and are not supported by BIA or failedasylum seekers need to make a claimunder the NHS Low Income Scheme -read pages 23-27.

Information for health staff, serviceplanners and agencies providing adviceto asylum seekers is in Caring fordispersed asylum seekers – A resourcepack, a copy of which is available todownload from the Department ofHealth’s website, at www.dh.gov.ukPlease use the advanced search facilityto look for the title.

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Other groups

WAR PENSIONERS

You get free NHS prescriptions and NHSwigs and fabric supports at the point oftreatment if the treatment is for youraccepted disablement and you have avalid war pension exemption certificate.

You can claim money back for dentaltreatment, travel costs, sight tests,glasses or contact lenses if thetreatment, or the reason for travel, isfor your accepted disablement. Write to: The Treatment Group,Veterans Agency, Norcross, BlackpoolFY5 3WP. You can get a pre-paidaddressed envelope from Post Offices.

Otherwise, check if you are in any ofthe groups listed on pages 5–7.

PEOPLE FROM ABROAD

People who come from abroad and areaccepted as ordinarily resident in theUK (including those given leave toremain in the UK and people acceptedas coming to work or study in the UK),and who are accepted for NHStreatment, may claim help with healthcosts in the same way as otherresidents.

If you are accepted for NHS treatment,first check to see if you are in oneof the groups listed on pages 5–7.

28 HC11 – Help with health costs OTHER GROUPS

You can also get free:• NHS prescriptions for the treatment

of a sexually transmissible infection(STI) when the medication is suppliedat a hospital or Primary Care Trust(PCT) clinic.

• NHS sight test if you:– are a diagnosed glaucoma patient– are aged 40 or over and are the

parent, brother, sister, son ordaughter of a person withdiagnosed glaucoma

– have been advised by anophthalmologist that you areat risk of glaucoma

– are a diagnosed diabetic.

NOTE: the medication to treat the STI is only free if it is supplied by the hospital or PCT clinic. You will haveto pay charges in the normal way ifthe hospital or clinic gives you aprescription form to take to your ‘highstreet’ pharmacy, even if the medicationis for an STI. You will also have to paycharges in the normal way for anyother medication supplied by thehospital or clinic.

Getting your medical exemptioncertificate

To apply for a medical exemption(Medex) certificate, ask your doctor forForm FP92A. The form tells you what todo. Your GP, hospital or service doctor(or at the GP’s discretion a member ofthe GP’s practice who can access your

31

PEOPLE WITH A SPECIFIED MEDICALCONDITION

You can get free:• NHS prescriptions if you have a valid

medical exemption certificatebecause you have:– a permanent fistula (for example,

caecostomy, colostomy, laryngos-tomy or ileostomy) requiringcontinuous surgical dressing orrequiring an appliance

– a form of hypoadrenalism (forexample, Addison’s Disease) forwhich specific substitution therapyis essential

– diabetes insipidus and other formsof hypopituitarism

– diabetes mellitus, except wheretreatment is by diet alone

– hypoparathyroidism– myasthenia gravis– myxoedema (that is,

hypothyroidism requiring thyroid hormone replacement)

– epilepsy requiring continuous anti-convulsive therapy

– you have a continuing physicaldisability which means you cannotgo out without the help of another person.

NOTE: We ask doctors to advise youabout free prescriptions, but it is up toyou to find out if you are entitled ornot. Only the conditions listed count. Ifyou are unsure about the name of yourcondition, check with your doctor.


midwife or health visitor will sign theform to confirm your statement.

Your exemption card will last until12 months after the expected date ofbirth. If your baby is born early, you cancontinue to use your exemption carduntil it expires. If your baby is born late,you can apply for an extension. If youapply after your baby is born, yourexemption card will run for 12 monthsfrom your baby’s birth.

PEOPLE WHO NEED LOTS OFPRESCRIPTIONS BUT HAVE TO PAYCHARGES: PRESCRIPTION PREPAYMENTCERTIFICATES (PPC)

If you are not entitled to freeprescriptions and you think you willhave to pay for more than 3 itemsin 3 months or 14 items in 12 months,you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.

To check the cost of a PPC you caneither visit, www.ppa.org.uk/ppc, ring0845 850 0030 or look in leaflet HC12(available in some pharmacies or GPsurgeries).

You can choose to pay for a 12-monthPPC by 10 monthly Direct Debitinstalments. If you pay using this optionyou are entering into a commitment topay all the instalments. If you use thePPC after failing to pay an instalmentyou may have to pay a penalty charge.

33

medical records) will sign the form toconfirm your statement.

The certificate will start one monthbefore the date that the NHS BusinessServices Authority (NHSBSA) receivesthe application form. Your exemptioncertificate will be posted to you.

Medical exemption certificates normallylast for five years and then need to berenewed. You may receive a reminderthat your certificate needs to berenewed, but if not, it is yourresponsibility to ensure that it isrenewed.

PREGNANT WOMEN AND THOSE WHOHAVE HAD A BABY IN THE PREVIOUS12 MONTHS

You get free:• NHS prescriptions – but only if you

have a valid maternity exemptioncertificate/card issued by the NHSBusiness Services Authority

• NHS dental treatment if, whenyou are accepted for a course oftreatment, you are pregnant orhave had a baby in the previous12 months.

To apply for your maternity exemptioncard ask your doctor, nurse, midwife orhealth visitor for Form FW8. The formtells you what to do. Your doctor, nurse,


• has a power in any one meridian of plus or minus 10 or more dioptres; or

• is a prism-controlled biofocal lens.

You also get a voucher towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses.

PEOPLE WHO HAVE LOST OR DAMAGED THEIR GLASSES OR CONTACT LENSES

If you are under 16, you get avoucher towards the cost of repairor replacement.

If you are 16 or over, you may be entitled to a voucher towards the costof repair or replacement if your PCTagrees that:• the loss or damage was due to illness;

and• you can’t get any help through a

warranty, insurance or after sales service; and

• you would be entitled to an NHSvoucher for glasses or contactlenses – read page 12.

This does not apply to disposablecontact lenses.

PEOPLE WITH IMPAIRED HEARING

You can get free, on loan, NHS hearingaids. The aids will be supplied with batteries (and replacements) and fitted,serviced and maintained free of charge.

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The PPC cannot be issued until the firstDirect Debit instalment is paid.

You can apply for a PPC:

• On- line at www.ppc.org.uk/ppc• By phoning 0845 850 0030• By filling in form FP95, available from

your pharmacy. The form tells youwhat to do.

For other enquiries about applicationsfor PPCs, or to report lost or stolenPPCs, please ring 0845 601 8076.

PPC start dateThe PPC will start from the date yourapplication is received unless you askfor a different start date. This can beup to one month before or one monthlater than the date your applicationis received.

PEOPLE REGISTERED SEVERELY SIGHT-IMPAIRED/BLIND OR SIGHT-IMPAIRED/PARTIALLY SIGHTED

You get free NHS sight tests. If youneed help with other health costs,check if you are in one of the groupslisted on pages 5–7.

PEOPLE WHO NEED COMPLEX LENSES

You get free NHS sight tests if you’represcribed complex or powerful glasseswith at least one lens which:


Jobseeker’s Allowance or Child TaxCredit, you may still be able to get helpthrough the Low Income Scheme. Alsocheck if you are in any of the groupson pages 5–7.

NHS IN-PATIENTS

You get free:• all NHS treatment, • NHS wigs and fabric supports

supplied while in hospital• glasses or contact lenses supplied

through the hospital eye departmentif clinically necessary (but you must choose the cheapest frame available).If you choose a more expensive one (except for medical reasons), you will have to pay the difference

• medication given to you while youare still an in-patient to take homewith you when you leave hospital.

NOTE: If you ask a dentist or optician tovisit you in hospital, you will have topay the cost in the normal way, as ifyou were being treated at theirpractice. Read pages 5–7 to see if youare in a group that can get free NHSdental treatment, a free NHS sight testor vouchers towards your glasses.

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If you want more information, pleaseask your GP.

PEOPLE LIVING IN A CARE HOME

These were previously called residentialcare homes or nursing homes. Livingin care home does not automaticallyentitle you to help.• if you are under 60 and getting

Income Support – read page 17• if you are 60 or over and getting

Pension Credit Guarantee Credit– read pages 18-19

• if the local Authority helps you withall or part of the cost – read pages23-27

• otherwise, check to see if you are inany of the other groups listed onpages 5–7 or check to see if you canget help via the NHS Low IncomeScheme – read pages 23-27.

PEOPLE SUPPORTED BY A LOCALAUTHORITY AFTER LEAVING CARE –CARE LEAVERS

If you are aged 16 or 17 and supportedby a local authority because yourecently left local authority care, youare entitled to full help with healthcosts through the NHS Low IncomeScheme – read pages 23-27.

If you are not supported by a localauthority and you are not gettingIncome Support or Income-based


to receive NHS treatment under the care of a consultant, or through a referral by a doctor or dentist. This includes tests and check-ups and visitsfor treatment of STIs

• you travel by the cheapest means of transport which it is reasonable for you to use

• in the opinion of your doctor, you need someone to travel with you, your companion’s travel costs are added to your travel costs and it’s your income that counts

• you are getting benefits orcredits – read pages 17-23

• you have a low income – readpages 23-27

• you are 16 or over but under 20 and are counted as a dependant of someone getting any of the benefits/credits on pages 17-23, you get help via that benefit or credit

• you are 16 and over and not a dependant of a person who gets benefits or credits, you can make your own claim, even if you live with your parents – read pages 23-27

• the patient is a child under 16; it is their parent’s income that counts. If someone else takes them to hospital, it is still the parents’ income that counts.

If you are not sure what travel costs youcan get help with, ask the hospitalbefore you travel. For more informationgo to: www.dh.gov.uk and use theadvanced search facility to look upNHS travel costs.

39

NHS OUT-PATIENTS/DAY PATIENTS

You get free:• all medication given to take

while you’re being treated at thehospital. But you pay a prescriptioncharge(s) for any medication youare prescribed to take at home,unless you’re entitled to freeNHS prescriptions

• medication supplied at a hospitalto treat an STI

• NHS dental treatment carried out atthe hospital (but there may be acharge for dentures and bridgesunless you are entitled to free NHSdental treatment)

• sight tests. If your consultant refersyou to an optometrist for a sighttest as part of the management ofyour eye condition while you arestill a patient of the hospital eyedepartment, that sight test is free.If your consultant decides that forclinical reasons a change of glasses orcontact lenses is needed shortly afteryou have bought a pair, you will notbe charged for the second pair. Youmay also get help towards the firstpair if you are in one of the groupsentitled to a voucher – read page 12.

PEOPLE WHO NEED TO TRAVEL TORECEIVE NHS TREATMENT

You may be entitled to help with yourtravelling costs if:• you attend a hospital, or other place,


Claiming help when

you go for treatment

NHS PRESCRIPTIONS

People who do not have to pay shouldfill in the back of their prescriptionform. Put a cross in the first box inPart 1 that applies to you and completeand sign Part 3 on the back of theprescription form. If someone else(your representative) goes to get yourprescription, they should completethe back of the prescription form. Oryou can do this before you give themthe prescription form. You, or yourrepresentative, may be asked to showproof of your entitlement to freeprescriptions – check the tables onpages 56-61 for more informationabout this.

If you are under 16 years of age oraged 60 or over and your date of birthis printed on the prescription form youdo not need to make a signeddeclaration.

41

NHS TREATMENT ABROAD

You may be able to get help with thecost of travel from your home to theinternational rail terminal, port orairport where you leave Great Britain.The arrangements are the same as if youwere travelling from home to receiveNHS treatment under the care of aconsultant, or through a referral by adoctor or dentist – read pages 38-39.

Regardless of your income, you can gethelp with the cost of return travel fromthe point where you leave GB to whereyou are going to be treated. Yourmethod of travel (e.g. air or rail) andthe cost must be agreed before youtravel by the person arranging yourtreatment. If the person arranging yourtreatment considers that you needsomeone to travel with you, ask themabout help with your companion’stravel costs.

OTHER TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

The Isles of ScillyYou get help with the cost of travel to amainland hospital for NHS treatment.Leaflet HC12 tells you how much this is.See your health centre before youtravel.

There is a set maximum you have to payunless you get free travel, or help withthe costs. Leaflet HC12 tells you howmuch this is.

40 HC11 – Help with health costs CLAIMING HELP WHEN YOU GO FOR TREATMENT

SIGHT TESTS

When you go for your sight test, tellthe optician if you are entitled to a free NHS sight test and ask for FormGOS1 to apply for it.• If you have a valid HC2 certificate

for full help or Tax Credit ExemptionCertificate, you must show it to youroptician.

• If you are severely sight-impaired/blind or sight-impaired/partiallysighted, the name and addressof the Local Authority whereyou’re registered has to be puton Form GOS1.

• If you have diabetes or glaucoma,or have been advised by anophthalmologist that you are atrisk of glaucoma, the name andaddress of your doctor has to beput on form GOS1.

• If you already need a complex lens, ifpossible show the optician your lastprescription or the glasses youare wearing.

The optician will give you Form GOS2showing the results of your sight test.

If you have a valid HC3 Certificate,show it to the optician and ask if youare entitled to any help with the costof your private sight test. You applyfor this help on Form GOS5.

43

NHS DENTAL TREATMENT

Tell the dentist you want NHStreatment when you make theappointment. Sign the form you aregiven when you go for treatment.If you do not have to pay, put a crossin the appropriate box. If you havea valid HC2 certificate or Tax CreditExemption Certificate, write in thecertificate number.

If you have a valid HC3 certificate,write in the certificate number and themaximum your certificate says you canpay. You will pay either what appearson the certificate or the actual charge,whichever is the least. See leaflet HC12for details of charges.

If your circumstances change before youare asked to pay, read page 10 to see ifyou are entitled to free NHS dentaltreatment.

You will be asked to show proof of yourentitlement to help with dental costs –check the tables on pages 62-67 formore information about this.

When you claim help with the cost ofyour NHS dental treatment, you areresponsible for knowing whether or notyou are entitled and for the declarationyou make. If you are not sure you areentitled to help then you must pay.You can claim a refund, make sure youkeep all receipts (see page 51).


You may be asked to show proof ofyour entitlement to a free sight test oroptical voucher.Check the tables onpages 68-75.

NHS VOUCHERS FOR REPAIR ORREPLACEMENT OF GLASSES ORCONTACT LENSES

Ask your optician for Form GOS4 – ittells you what to do.

TRAVEL TO RECEIVE NHS TREATMENTUNDER THE CARE OF A CONSULTANT,OR THROUGH A REFERRAL BY ADOCTOR OR DENTIST

If you are referred for treatment underthe care of a consultant, or referred bya doctor or dentist, and you travel toreceive that treatment you can claimhelp with the cost of your travel on lowincome grounds. If you are referred bya doctor or dentist to the samepremises but on a different day you canclaim for that travel cost.

When you go for treatment, tell thehospital (or place where you are beingtreated) that you want to claim backthe cost of your journey. Where yourplace of treatment has a cashier facilityyou will be able to claim your moneyback during your visit. You will beasked to show proof of yourentitlement, such as your award notice,your tax credit exemption certificate oryour HC2 certificate.

45

NHS VOUCHERS FOR GLASSES ORCONTACT LENSES

• There is more information aboutusing vouchers on the back of yourGOS2 form.

• You may be entitled to a GOSvoucher if you have a new orchanged prescription, or your glassesneed replacing on the grounds of fairwear and tear. Ask for a GOS3voucher form when you have yoursight test, or when you order yourglasses or contact lenses. A GOS3voucher form is valid for two years,but you can only use it if you are stillentitled to a voucher for glasses orcontact lenses when you order them.

• The optician will ask you to fill inand sign GOS3 when you order yourlenses or glasses to say why youare entitled to the voucher and toconfirm that you have received yourglasses or contact lenses. Show theoptician proof of your entitlementto use a voucher.

• If you have a valid HC3 certificate,you can ask for a GOS3 voucher form.Show your HC3 to the optician whenyou order glasses or contact lensesand ask if you can get any helptowards the cost. Your vouchervalue will be reduced by the amountshown on your HC3.


If you cannot show proof, you will haveto sign to say why you do not have topay (or can have an optical voucher)and you will get your NHS treatmentfree, or be able to use your opticalvoucher. But your treatment form willbe marked as ‘no evidence seen’ so yourentitlement can be checked later. Youwon’t be able to get partial help unlessyou show your HC3.

If you are not sure you are entitled tohelp with health costs then you mustpay. You can claim a refund, make sureyou keep all receipts (see page 48).

CHECKING YOUR ENTITLEMENT

Checks will be made as follows:• Free prescriptions. The checks will be

made by your local Primary CareTrust (PCT).

• Full or partial help with NHS dental treatment. The checks will be made by the Dental Services Division of the NHS Business Services Authority.

• Free NHS sight tests and vouchers towards the cost of glasses or contactlenses. The checks will be made by your local PCT.

47

Also keep any tickets or receipts youhave as proof of the cost.

Where your place of treatment doesnot issue payments (e.g. a GP practiceor dental surgery) you will need toclaim your expenses using claim formHC5(T). It tells you what to do.

NHS WIGS AND FABRIC SUPPORTS

Tell the person who fits your wig orfabric support that you are entitledto it free, and show proof of yourentitlement or war pension exemptioncertificate.

If you have a valid HC3 certificate, showit to the person who fits your wig orfabric support and ask if you areentitled to any help with the charge.For each item, the most you will paywill be the amount on the certificate orthe actual cost – whichever is the least.

Checks of entitlement

If you are claiming free treatment, oryou are using an optical voucher, youshould show proof of why you do nothave to pay or why you can use avoucher. For example, an entitlementletter, birth certificate or NHSexemption certificate. For moreinformation about this – read thetables on pages 56-75.

46 HC11 – Help with health costs CHECKS OF ENTITLEMENT

PRESCRIPTION PREPAYMENT CERTIFICATE (PPC) FEES

Full refundsThe patient’s estate can get a fullrefund if, within the first month of a 3or 12-month PPC:• the PPC holder dies; or• goes into hospital and dies there

before the certificate runs out.

Proportional refundsYou can get a proportional refund ofyour PPC if during the first month of a3-month PPC or before the start of thelast month of a 12-month PPC, any ofthe following happens:• you become entitled to free

prescriptions and, if applicable, you have a valid NHS exemption certificate

• you go into hospital and remain there until the expiry of the prepayment certificate.

The patients estate can receive aproprtional refund of the PPC if afterthe first month of a 3 or 12-month PPC:• the PPC holder dies, or• goes into hospital and dies there

before the certificate runs out.

The money refunded will be thedifference between the amount due forthe months before you became exemptand the amount actually paid. Forexample, a 12-month PPC starts in June,the holder dies in January, refund forFebruary to May of 4/12 of the fee paid.

49

The penalty charge

Any patient found to have wronglyclaimed help with health costs will facepenalty charges and, in some cases,prosecution under powers introduced bythe Health Act 1999.The penalty charge is a civil fine andmay be imposed where a patient isfound to have wrongly claimed totalor partial help with health costs. Thepenalty charge is five times the amountowed, up to a maximum of £100. Thisis in addition to the original charge.Payment will be pursued by civilrecovery if necessary.

For further information about penaltycharges pick up leaflet HC12 A quickguide to help with health costsincluding charges and optical vouchervalues, you may be able to get one fromyour doctor. Or ring 0845 610 1112 toorder a copy, go to www.cfsms.nhs.uk,click on ‘Documents’ and go to ‘PenaltyCharge Guidance’. Or ring 0845 8501166 for advice.

Claiming refunds

NHS PRESCRIPTION CHARGES

Ask your pharmacist, hospital or doctorfor an NHS receipt form FP57 when youpay – you can’t get one later. The receiptform tells you what to do. You have toapply for a refund within 3 months ofpaying the prescription charge.

48 HC11 – Help with health costs CLAIMING REFUNDS

Time limits for making PPC refundclaimsYou must make your claim for a refundso it is received within the followingtime limits:• Following the death of the PPC

holder – claim within 24 monthsof death.

• You go into hospital and remainthere until the certificate expires:claim must be received within 3months of the PPC expiry date.

• If you become entitled to freeprescriptions: claim must be receivedwithin 3 months of becomingexempt.

OTHER REFUNDS

You will need a receipt which showsyou have paid for NHS treatment (seefollowing paragraphs for details). Forincome-based claims, use form HC5appropriate to the charge you havepaid, available from Jobcentre Plusoffices or NHS hospitals. Your dentist oroptician may have one or ring 0845 6101112 to get one. The HC5 tells you whatto do. You will need to write a letter(enclosing your receipt) to apply for arefund for other reasons. You have toclaim a refund within three months ofpaying the health cost.

51

Refunds where the full PPC price hasnot been paid

If the PPC holder chose to pay for a12-month PPC by 10 monthly DirectDebit instalments and full payment hasnot been made, the amount of refundyou, or the patient’s estate if the PPCholder dies, can get is:• the amount of refund payable had

the PPC holder paid in full, asoutlined in previous paragraphs; plus

• the amount the PPC holder has paidto date; minus

• the full 12-month PPC price.

Making the claim

If you wish to claim a refund for anyof the reasons listed, send the originalcertificate to the NHS Business ServicesAuthority, PPC Issue Office, PO Box 854,Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE99 2DE, tellingthem the reason why you want to claima refund.

If you are paying by Direct Debit andbecome exempt you will be required tocontact your bank or building society tocancel the payments.


The Dental Services Division will checkthat you received NHS treatment andpaid the charge claimed before sendingout payment.

SIGHT TEST FEES

Ask the person who tests your sight fora receipt that shows that you paid forthe test and the date of payment.Complete an HC5(O) refund claim form.The HC5(O) tells you what to do next.

GLASSES OR CONTACT LENS COSTS

If you have already used a vouchertowards the cost of your glasses orlenses, you cannot get a refund unless itwas only a ‘complex lens’ voucher. Norcan you claim a refund of the differencebetween the voucher value and theactual cost of your glasses or lenses,even if they cost more than the vouchervalue.

If you want to claim a refund, ask theperson who supplies your glasses orcontact lenses for a receipt whichshows how much you paid and the dateof payment. Complete an HC5(O)refund form and make sure you encloseyour optical prescription and yourreceipt with your HC5(O) when yousend it off. The form tells you what todo. The maximum refund you can getback will be the voucher value whichmatches your prescription.

53

NHS DENTAL CHARGESAsk your dentist for NHS receipt formFP64 or a receipt which shows theamount of the NHS charge and the dateyou paid.

If you are claiming on the grounds of low income, complete form HC5(D).It tells you where to send thecompleted form.

If you want to claim a refund foranother reason, for example, becauseyou are pregnant, have had a baby inthe previous 12 months, are aged under18 or are aged 18 in full-time educationyou will need to explain why you areclaiming a refund. Enclose your receiptand make sure you include your fullname and the address of your dentist,and write to:

NHS Business Services Authority, DentalServices Division, Compton Place Road,Eastbourne, East Sussex BN20 8AD.

If you are a War Pensioner - read page28.

NOTE: Refunds of charges for privatedental treatment or sundry items suchas toothbrushes cannot be made.Where a course of treatment is amixture of NHS and private treatment arefund of the NHS charge only can bemade.


WAR PENSIONERS

You can claim money back for dentaltreatment, travel costs, sight tests, glassesor contact lenses if the treatment, or thereason for travel, is for your accepteddisablement. Write to: The Treatment Group, VeteransAgency, Norcross, Blackpool FY5 3WP. Youcan get a pre-paid addressed envelopefrom Post Offices.

55

Lost or damaged glasses or contact lenses

If your glasses or contact lenses havebeen lost or damaged and you pay forreplacement or repairs, you will onlybe considered for a refund if you areentitled to a voucher. But, your PrimaryCare Trust has to agree that the loss ordamage was due to illness beforepayment can be made – read page 35.

TRAVEL COSTS TO RECEIVE NHS TREATMENT

If you receive NHS treatment under thecare of a consultant, or through areferral by a doctor or dentist, usually anNHS hospital will give you your refundwhen you go for treatment. If this is notpossible, ask the hospital for an HC5(T)refund claim form – it tells you what todo. If you receive NHS treatment underthe care of a consultant, or through areferral by a doctor or dentist other thanat an NHS hospital, ask for form HC5(T)when you go for treatment.

NHS WIGS AND FABRIC SUPPORTSCHARGES

Ask the hospital for a receipt thatshows that you have paid an NHScharge, and complete an HC5(W)refund claim form. The form tells youwhat do.


57

Where and how to get proof

NHS medical cards are sent to you when you arefirst registered as a patient with a GP. If you needa card, contact your local Primary Care Trust.NOTE: Some Primary Care Trusts no longer issueNHS medical cards; in this case use one of theother documents mentioned.

The Child Benefit Centre. 0845 302 1444.Your school, college, university or local educationauthority can give you proof that you are inqualifying full-time education (see page 15).

FREE NHS PRESCRIPTIONS56 HC11 – Help with health costs

FREE NHS PRESCRIPTIONSProof of entitlement

You can get free prescriptions if you are:

The proof you need to have

Under 1660 or over

If your date of birth isprinted on yourprescription you willnot need to make adeclaration or showproof. If your date ofbirth is not printed onyour prescription, show your NHS medical card, current Child Benefitaward notice, pensionaward notice, passport,birth certificate, drivinglicense, or any otherofficial papers showing your nameand date of birth.

Aged 16, 17 or 18 infull-time education

A current Child Benefitaward notice. You canshow proof of yourdate of birth (whichmight be on yourprescription – seeabove) and proof thatyou are a full-timestudent.

HC11 – Help with health costs


Ask your GP or NHS hospital for an FP92Aapplication form. The form tells you what to do. Acertificate/card will be sent to you upon receiptof a properly completed application form.

Write to: The Veterans Agency, Norcross, Blackpool FY5 3WP.

Buy online via www.ppa.org.uk. Phone 0845 8500030 (8am to 6pm) to pay by credit or debit card.For payments by cheque get an application form(FP95) from your pharmacy. The FP95 tells youwhat to do.

Ask your GP, nurse, midwife or health visitor foran FW8 application form. The form tells you whatto do. A certificate/card will be sent to you uponreceipt of a properly completed application form.

FREE NHS PRESCRIPTIONS


Free NHS prescriptions – continued

Named on a valid medical exemption certificate or cardbecause you have a listed medical condition

A medical exemptioncertificate or card (Medex).

A war pensioner, theprescription is for your accepted disablement, and you are named on a valid war pensionexemption certificate

A war pension exemption certificate.

Named on a valid prescription prepayment certificate

A prescription prepayment certificate.

Pregnant or have had ababy in the previous 12months and are namedon a valid maternityexemption certificate orcard

A maternity exemption certificate or card (Matex).




If you have lost or mislaid your Pension Centreaward notice, contact the Pension Centre phoneline on 0845 606 0265.

You have to claim the benefit at your JobcentrePlus office (the address will be in your local telephone book). Incapacity Benefit or DisabilityLiving Allowance do not count as they are notincome related.If payments are made into your bank or buildingsociety, you can obtain proof in the form of anentitlement letter from your Jobcentre Plus office.

If you are eligible for free prescriptions, yourexemption certificate will be sent to you. If you haven’t yet received your certificate, useyour award notice.

Make a claim using Form HC1, obtainable fromyour Jobcentre Plus office or by calling 0845 8501166 or 0845 610 1112. You may also be able to get an HC1 from your local hospital, dentist,optician or doctor.

FREE NHS PRESCRIPTIONS


Free NHS prescriptions – continued

Getting IncomeSupport, or your partner is getting this benefit

An entitlement letter from your JobcentrePlus office.

Getting Income-basedJobseeker’s Allowance,or your partner isgetting this benefit

An entitlement letterfrom your JobcentrePlus office.

Getting Pension CreditGuarantee Credit, oryour partner is gettingthis benefit

Your award notice fromthe Pension Centre.

Getting tax credits andmeeting the qualifyingconditions. Or yourpartner receives taxcredits and meets thequalifying conditions

A valid NHS tax creditexemption certificate, or you can use your tax credit award notice.

Named on a valid HC2certificate

An NHS certificate HC2for full help withhealth costs.





NHS medical cards are given out when you arefirst registered as a patient with a GP. If you needa card, contact your local Primary Care Trust.NOTE: Some Primary Care Trusts no longer issueNHS medical cards; in this case use one of theother documents mentioned.

FREE NHS DENTAL TREATMENT

The Child Benefit Centre. 0845 302 1444.Your school, college, university or local educationauthority can give you proof that you are inqualifying full-time education (see page 15).

FREE NHS DENTAL TREATMENTProof of entitlement

You can get free dentaltreatment if, whenthe treatment starts,you are:


Under 18 years old Any official documentshowing your nameand date of birth, suchas a birth certificate,NHS medical card orpassport.

Aged 18 in full-time education

A current Child Benefit award notice.You can show proof ofyour date of birth, suchas a birth certificateor passport and proofthat you are a full-timestudent.


Pregnant or have had ababy in the previous 12months

MatB1 certificate or NHS prescription maternity exemptioncertificate or card(Matex) or notificationof birth form, birth certificate or stillbirthcertificate.

MatB1 certificates are issued by your GP or registered midwife. You can use your prescription maternity exemption certificate or card (Matex) as proof.To get one ask your GP, nurse, midwife or healthvisitor for an FW8 application form. The formtells you what to do.The midwife who delivers your baby will giveyou a notification of birth form. Birth certificates and stillbirth certificates areissued by your local registrar of births, marriages and deaths.



Free NHS dental treatment – continued



Getting Income-basedJobseeker’s Allowance,or your partner is getting this benefit




You can get free dentaltreatment if, when thetreatment starts, orwhen the charge ismade, you are:


If you are eligible for free treatment, yourexemption certificate will be sent to you. If youhaven’t yet received your certificate, use youraward notice.


A valid NHS tax creditexemption certificate, or you can use your taxcredit award notice.



FREE NHS DENTAL TREATMENT

6766 HC11 – Help with health costs FREE NHS DENTAL TREATMENT


Make a claim using form HC1, obtainable fromyour Jobcentre Plus office or by calling 0845 8501166 or 0845 610 1112. You may also be able toget an HC1 from your local hospital, dentist,optician or doctor.

Named on a valid HC2 certificate

An NHS certificate HC2 for full helpwith health costs.


The cost may bereduced if you arenamed on an NHS certificate HC3 for partial help with health costs.

Free NHS dental treatment – continued

You can get free dentaltreatment if, when thetreatment starts, orwhen the charge ismade, you are:


6968 HC11 – Help with health costs FREE NHS SIGHT TESTS


NHS medical card – see above.

Contact your local authority.


FREE NHS SIGHT TESTSProof of entitlement

You can get a free NHSsight test if you are:


Aged 60 or over Any official documentshowing your nameand date of birth, suchas a birth certificate,NHS medical card, passport, travel concession card,pension award notice, driving licence.

Aged 40 and over and are the parent,brother, sister, or son or daughter of a person with glaucoma

An official document to prove your date ofbirth – see above.

Registered severelysight-impaired/blind or sight-impaired/partially sighted

Certificate of registration as severelysight-impaired/blind or sight-impaired/partially sighted.

7170 HC11 – Help with health costs FREE NHS SIGHT TESTS

Your GP, or your hospital diabetic or eye clinic.Your repeat prescription or outpatient cardshould show you are attending a diabetic clinicon a regular basis.

Your GP, or your hospital eye clinic.

Your GP, or your hospital eye clinic.

If you do not already have complex lenses, your optician will advise if you are eligible.


Free NHS sight tests – continued

Suffering from diabetes Repeat prescriptionscard, out-patientsappointment card,record of blood sugar readings.

Suffering fromglaucoma

Statement that you area glaucoma sufferer.

Considered to be at risk of glaucoma

Statement that you are at risk of developing glaucoma.

In need of complex lenses

Take your existingglasses or existing optical prescription.

Where and how to get proofYou can get a free NHSsight test if you are:


7372 HC11 – Help with health costs FREE NHS SIGHT TESTS AND OPTICAL VOUCHERS


The Child Benefit Centre. 0845 302 1444.Your school, college, university or your local education authority can give you proof that you are in qualifying full-time education (see page 15).

Aged under 16 Show your NHS medicalcard, current ChildBenefit award notice,passport, birthcertificate.

Aged 16, 17 or 18 in full-time education

A current Child Benefit award notice oryou can show proof of your date of birth,such as your birthcertificate or passport,and proof that you area full-time student.

FREE NHS SIGHT TESTS ANDOPTICAL VOUCHERSProof of entitlement

Where and how to get proofYou can get a free NHSsight test and an opticalvoucher if you are:


7574 HC11 – Help with health costs FREE NHS SIGHT TESTS AND OPTICAL VOUCHERS

If you are eligible for a free sight test and opticalvoucher, your exemption certificate will be sentto you. If you haven’t yet received yourcertificate, use your award notice.

Make a claim using Form HC1, obtainable fromyour Jobcentre Plus office or by calling 0845 8501166 or 0845 610 1112. You may also be able to get one from your local hospital, dentist, optician or doctor.

Free NHS sight tests and optical vouchers – continued



Getting Income-basedJobseeker’s Allowance,or your partner is getting this benefit




A valid NHS tax creditexemption certificate oryou can use your taxcredit award notice.


An NHS certificate HC2 for full help with health costs.


You can get a free NHSsight test and an opticalvoucher if you are:



The cost may be reducedif you are named on anNHS certificate HC3 forpartial help with healthcosts.




7776 HC11 – Help with health costs ORDERING FORMS AND LEAFLETS

ELECTRONIC INFORMATION

The following are on the DH website at:www.dh.gov.uk Use the advancedsearch facility to find the documentyou need:• HC11 Help with health costs• HC12 A quick guide to help with

health costs including charges and optical voucher values

• Caring for dispersed asylum seekers– a resource pack – Information forhealth staff, service planners andagencies providing advice for asylumseekers.

Information about the following are onthe DH website, use the avanced searchfacility to find the information youneed:• HB6 A practical guide for disabled

people or carers (Where to findinformation, services and equipment)

TRANSLATION SERVICE

If you have any queries and English isnot your first language, call the NHSBusiness Services Authority on 0845 8501166. They have a telephoneinterpretation service. When you call,say in English, or ask a friend to say inEnglish, that you have a query inanother language and state thelanguage you need.

Ordering forms and leaflets

PRINTED VERSIONS

The items listed below are availablefrom:3M Security Printing and Systems LtdGorse StreetOldham OL9 9QHTelephone: 0845 610 1112Fax: 0161 683 2188Email: [email protected]: www.nhsforms.co.uk

Ask for:• HC1 Help with health costs claim form• The appropriate version of the HC5

Help with health costs refund claim form for the charge you paid. For all health costs except prescription charges (ask for FP57 when you pay a prescription charge, to claim a refund)

• HC11 (this leaflet) Please quote product reference HC11 Help withhealth costsThe HC11 can also be made available in braille on request

• HC12 A quick guide to help with health costs including charges and optical voucher values.

7978 HC11 – Help with health costs ADVICE LINES

Health advice24-hour confidential nurse advice andhealth information serviceNHS Direct: 0845 46 47

Please note: NHS Direct do not dealwith tax credit queries.

Advice lines

Health cost advice linesFor more information about anythingin this booklet, ring 0845 850 1166(local call rates). But see below if youhave a query about an exemption orprepayment certificate.

Medical and Maternity ExemptionCertificates0845 601 8076

Prescription Prepayment CertificatesFor price, phone orders and enquiries:0845 850 0030

NHS Tax Credit Exemption CertificatesCall 0845 609 9299 (please have your taxcredit award notice ready to answerquestions). For enquiries about tax creditapplications or entitlement to an awardnotice ring HM Revenue and Customs -Tax Credit helpline on the numbershown beow.

HM Revenue and Customs – Tax CredithelplineFor enquiries about applications or entitlement to Tax Credit Award Notices: 0845 300 3900

For people with hearing or speech difficulties: 0845 300 3909

© Crown copyright 2008

Apr 08

If you require further copies of this titlequote HC11 – Help with health costsand contact:

3M Security Printing and Systems LtdGorse StreetOldham OL9 9QHTel: 0845 610 1112Fax: 0161 683 2188E-mail: [email protected]: www.nhsforms.co.uk

HC11 Help with health costs can also bemade available on request in braille, oncompact disk and in large print.www.dh.gov.uk/helpwithhealthcosts