Help with Health Costs for People on a Low Income

If you are on a low income, you may be eligible for help with a range of NHS health costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS). This includes support for prescriptions, dental treatment, eye care, travel to hospital appointments, and more.

The scheme is designed to ensure that essential healthcare remains affordable to those who may otherwise struggle to pay for it.

What Does the NHS Low Income Scheme Cover?

If eligible, the scheme can help with the following NHS costs:

  • Prescription charges.
  • Dental treatment.
  • Eye tests and glasses/contact lenses.
  • Travel costs to receive NHS treatment (under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme).
  • Wigs and fabric supports.

Who Can Apply?

You may qualify if your:

  • Income is low, and
  • Savings or investments are below the capital limit (not including the home you live in).

Capital Limits

  • £16,000 (for most people).
  • £23,250 (for those living permanently in a care home in England).

Your partner and any dependent children will also be included in the assessment, and any help awarded covers them too.

Types of Support Available

Depending on your financial situation, you may receive:

  • Full help (HC2 certificate) – covers the full cost of health charges.
  • Partial help (HC3 certificate) – helps with some costs; you’ll be told how much you need to contribute.

Your eligibility is based on a means-tested assessment that considers:

  • Weekly income.
  • Living costs.
  • Housing and council tax expenses.

This means you could qualify even if your income is too high for other benefits, as housing-related costs are factored in.

Who Automatically Qualifies?

You do not need to apply for LIS if you or your partner already receive:

These benefits already entitle you to full help with NHS charges.

How to Apply

Online

You can apply online if you’re eligible to do so through the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) website:

Apply Online – NHS Low Income Scheme

By Post

You can complete a HC1 form and send it by post:

  • Order or download from the NHSBSA website.
  • You can also get the form from a Jobcentre Plus, NHS hospital, or even your GP, dentist, or optician.

Need Help Applying?

Call the NHS Low Income Scheme Helpline on:
0300 330 1343 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–3pm).

How Long Is the Certificate Valid For?

Your HC2 or HC3 certificate will usually be valid for between 6 months and 5 years, depending on your circumstances.

How to Claim Refunds

If you’ve already paid for NHS services, you may be able to claim a refund within 3 months of the date of payment or service.

Prescription Charges

You’ll need form FP57 – ask for it at the pharmacy when you pay.

Other Charges

Use the relevant HC5 form, available on the NHSBSA website:

  • HC5(D) – Dental.
  • HC5(O) – Optical.
  • HC5(T) – Travel.
  • HC5(W) – Wigs and fabric supports.

Submit these with proof of payment and your HC2/HC3 certificate.

Unhappy with a Decision? Request a Review

If you believe your application was wrongly assessed, you can request a review.

How to appeal:

  • Online via the NHSBSA website
  • Or write to:
     LIS Review Team
    Help with Health Costs
     Bridge House
     152 Pilgrim Street
     Newcastle upon Tyne
     NE1 6SN

Important Contact Numbers

  • LIS Helpline: 0300 330 1343.
  • Prescription Services: 0300 330 1349.
  • Medical Exemption Queries: 0300 330 1341.
  • Prepayment Certificates: 0300 330 1341.

One Last Thing

The NHS Low Income Scheme is a vital support option for those struggling with the cost of healthcare. If you’re worried about affording prescriptions, dental work, or eye care, it’s worth applying, especially if you’re on a tight income but not quite eligible for means-tested benefits.

  • Check your eligibility.
  • Apply as soon as possible.
  • Keep your receipts in case you need a refund.

You don’t have to face health costs alone, help is available.

⚠️ ECO4 has closed to new applications — here’s the help you can get nowECO4 grants are no longer available. See the grants and funding you can get now.

You Might Also Qualify for Free Home Insulation or Heating Support

If you’re eligible for the NHS Low Income Scheme, you may also qualify for free energy-saving improvements through the ECO4 or Great British Insulation Scheme.

These could include:

  • Wall or loft insulation
  • Heating system upgrades
  • Support to lower your energy bills

These schemes are specifically designed to help low-income and vulnerable households stay warm and reduce energy costs.

Check your eligibility now, it’s quick, free, and with no obligation.