Getting a Tax Credit payment does not automatically entitle you to help with your NHS health costs.
To be entitled you must meet the qualifying conditions for an NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate.
You're entitled to full help with NHS health costs if your annual household income used to calculate your tax credits is £15,276 or less and you receive either:
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit paid together
- Working Tax Credit including a disability or severe disability element
Check if you’re entitled to a certificate using the flowchart on our website.
If you receive a certificate, this will cover any named children that you receive child tax credits for. Your partner will also receive a certificate.
If your child is aged 19 there is further guidance here.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) handle tax credit financial assessments. If you have a query about your tax credits claim, contact HMRC directly.
If you're appealing the outcome of your assessment and have to pay NHS charges, you must pay the charge and keep your NHS receipts.
If your appeal is successful, you may be able to claim a refund.
Check if an existing NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate is still valid.
If you’re not covered by a benefit or exemption, you can apply for help through the NHS Low Income Scheme by completing an HC1 application.
Child has left full-time education or is aged 20
Your child is no longer covered by your NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate.
You, your partner, and any other named children can still use the certificate.
If your child has left full time education, you must tell HMRC to update your records.
Change in circumstances
You can continue to use the certificate until the expiry date if your circumstances changed after the start date of your NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate.
If your circumstances changed before the start date of your NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate, check you still meet the qualifying conditions.
If you do not meet the qualifying conditions but receive a new certificate, you must destroy the certificate.
Contact our helpdesk so we can update your record.
Check what help you could get to pay for NHS costs and apply online.