NHS Low Income Scheme
The information below has been provided by Gloucestershire Citizens Advice.
If a person has already paid for NHS treatment, they may also be able to claim a refund when they apply for the scheme.
Applicants who qualify receive either:
- HC2 Certificate – Full help with eligible NHS health costs.
- HC3 Certificate – Partial help towards eligible NHS health costs.
Who should consider applying?
The scheme is not limited to people receiving benefits. It may help:
- People in work on low wages.
- Pensioners with limited income.
- Students.
- People receiving benefits whose income is still too low to meet health costs.
When assessing entitlement, the NHS considers income alongside certain essential household expenses, including housing costs and council tax. As a result, many working households may qualify even if they do not expect to.
Who does not need to apply?
Some people automatically qualify for full help with NHS health costs because they receive certain qualifying benefits, including Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance and some people receiving Universal Credit whose earnings are below the relevant threshold. Their eligible dependent children are also entitled to the same help.
Who cannot apply?
People will not qualify if they or their partner have capital above the scheme limits:
- More than £16,000 in savings, investments or property (excluding the home they live in).
- More than £23,250 if living permanently in a care home (£24,000 in Wales).
Applying for the scheme
Many people can apply online. However, an online application is not available if the applicant:
- Has more than £6,000 in savings or investments.
- Lives in Northern Ireland.
- Is a student living with a partner.
- Has no income.
In these cases, applicants should complete an HC1 application form and return it by post.
Evidence required
Applicants should provide evidence of their income with their application. This usually includes recent payslips for employed people, profit and loss accounts for self-employed applicants, or evidence of student finance and any earnings for students who work while studying.
Advice for reception staff and advisers
Reception staff and advisers should consider the NHS Low Income Scheme whenever a client says they cannot afford prescriptions, dental treatment or other NHS charges. Working households, students and pensioners are often unaware that they may qualify. Advisers should also remind clients to keep receipts, as refunds may be available if they paid before applying.
The NHS Low Income Scheme is an important source of financial support that is frequently overlooked. Raising awareness among advisers, GP practices and dental practices can improve access to healthcare, reduce financial hardship and ensure that people receive the help to which they are entitled.
