The NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS)

• The NHS Low Income Scheme helps with health costs such as prescriptions, dental care, and eye tests.
• You can apply using an HC1 form (online, by post, or in person).
• If you receive certain benefits, you may qualify automatically.
• Depending on your situation, you’ll get either full (HC2) or partial (HC3) help.
• Help usually lasts for 12 months, and you can reapply when it expires.

If you qualify, the scheme can help with a wide range of NHS costs, including:

• Prescription charges.
• NHS dental treatment: including check-ups, fillings, and some dental appliances.
• Eye care: including NHS eye tests and NHS optical vouchers to help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses (if eligible).
• Travel costs for NHS treatment (through the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme).
• NHS wigs and fabric supports.

You’ll receive either full help (all costs covered) or partial help (a reduced amount to pay), depending on your income.

You may be eligible for the NHS Low Income Scheme if:

Your savings or investments are below:

• £16,000 (if you live independently), or
• £23,250 (if you live permanently in a care home).

You’re on a low income, whether you’re:

• Working.
• Unemployed.
• Studying.
• Retired.

Being a full-time student doesn’t automatically exclude you. The NHS looks at your total household income and essential outgoings (such as rent, council tax, and childcare costs).

You don’t need to be on benefits to apply, although if you already receive certain means-tested benefits, you may qualify automatically (see below).

You automatically get full help with health costs if you or your partner receive any of the following:

• Income Support.
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
• Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit).
• Universal Credit, if your earnings during your last assessment period were low enough to qualify for free prescriptions.

For Universal Credit claimants, entitlement depends on your income in your last assessment period. You should check the current thresholds on the NHSBSA website.

If you receive one of these benefits and meet the income rules, you don’t need to apply separately for the scheme.

When you apply, the NHS looks at your household income and essential expenses. Some important points to note:

• Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and Attendance Allowance do not count as income.
• The NHS considers the income of everyone in your household.
• You’ll also be asked about savings, investments, rent or mortgage payments, council tax, and childcare costs.

There are two types of certificates under the scheme:

• HC2 Certificate: Gives full help with all eligible NHS costs.
• HC3 Certificate: Gives partial help, reducing what you need to pay.

Your certificate type depends on your financial circumstances.

To apply, you’ll need to complete an HC1 form. You can get one in several ways:

• Online: Apply via the NHS Low Income Scheme NHSBSA website.
• By post: Call 0300 330 1343 to request a paper form.
• In person: Forms are available from Jobcentres, NHS hospitals, dentists, and opticians.

You’ll need to provide details of your:

• Income and any benefits.
• Rent or mortgage payments.
• Council tax and childcare costs.
• Savings and investments.

Most certificates last for 12 months, though some may be valid from 6 months up to 5 years, depending on your situation. If your financial circumstances haven’t changed when your certificate expires, you can reapply.

Most applications are processed within a few weeks. If more information is needed, the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) will contact you.

If you’ve paid NHS charges while waiting for your certificate, you might be able to claim a refund:

• Prescriptions: Ask for an FP57 receipt at the pharmacy when you pay, you’ll need this to claim your money back.
• Dental, optical, travel, or wig costs: Complete an HC5 refund form, available from the NHSBSA refund page or from your NHS provider.

Keep all receipts until your application has been processed.

If your financial or living situation changes while your certificate is valid, for example, if you start working, move home, or your savings increase, you should contact the NHS Business Services Authority. This ensures your certificate remains accurate and valid.

If you don’t qualify for the NHS Low Income Scheme, you might still be able to save money with a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC). A PPC covers all NHS prescriptions for a set period (3 or 12 months) and can save you money if you need regular medication.

If you think your application has been assessed incorrectly, you can ask for a review. Contact the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) and explain why you believe the decision should be reconsidered.

If you need advice or help completing your application, you can contact:

• NHS Low Income Scheme Helpline: 0300 330 1343
  (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–3pm)
• Prescription Services: 0300 330 1349
• Medical Exemption Queries: 0300 330 1341
• Website: NHSBSA Help with Health Costs

Even if you’re unsure whether you qualify, it’s always worth applying, you might be entitled to more help than you think.

You may also qualify for free home energy improvements through the government-backed ECO4 Scheme and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS).

These Schemes help households upgrade their insulation and heating systems, making homes warmer, healthier, and more energy efficient, with no upfront costs if you’re eligible.

Check your eligibility here, it’s quick, free, and could help you lower your energy bills while improving your home’s comfort year-round.

Useful Resources:

• NHSBSA Website
• HC2 Certificate
• HC3 Certificate
• HC5 Refund Form 
• NHS Business Services Authority
• Prescription Prepayment Certificate

Cost of Living Support Available:

• Household Support Fund (England)
• Cost of Living Payments
• Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
• Mortgage Guarantee Scheme
• Council Tax Reduction

ECO4 Support Available:

• Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Energy Company Obligation
• Ofgem Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Guidance: Delivery V1.1
• Ofgem Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
• UK Government, Help from your energy supplier: the Energy Company Obligation
• Which? Energy Company Obligation (ECO)

Other Support Available:

• Household Support Fund
• Cold Weather Payment
• Cost of Living
• Fuel Vouchers