Low income scheme

This means-tested scheme provides help to people who are not exempt from healthcare costs, but who may be entitled to full or partial help if they have a low income.

The scheme includes help with:

• NHS prescriptions
• NHS dental treatment
• NHS wigs and fabric supports
• sight tests, glasses and contact lenses
• travel to receive NHS treatment.

To qualify, there’s a savings limit of £16,000 or £23,250 for those who live permanently in a care home.

How can I claim?

Phone 0845 850 1166 and ask for form HC1, or visit nhsbsa.nhs.uk| You can also get form HC1 from your local Jobcentre or NHS hospital. You may be able to get one from your doctor, dentist or optician.

If you’ve already paid for your prescriptions, fares to hospital, dental or eye treatment, or a wig, you can claim a refund using form HC5 if you apply within three months. You must have the relevant receipt (such as form FP57 for prescriptions).

For more information, see the Department of Health leaflet HC11 Help with health costs at dh.gov.uk/publications| 

In Northern Ireland

You can claim by completing form HC1, which you can get from your local Social Security| or Jobs and Benefits office|.

If you have already paid for your fares to hospital or for dental and eye treatment, you can claim a refund using form HC5 if you apply within three months. You can get the form from any HS hospital and your local Social Security or Jobs and Benefits office. This can only be used to claim back charges if you get the relevant receipt at the time you pay for the item or treatment.