You're entitled to free NHS prescriptions if at the time the prescription is dispensed, you:
- are aged 60 or over
- are under the age of 16
- are aged 16 to 18 and in full-time education
- are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months and have a valid Maternity Exemption Certificate (MATEX)
- have a specified medical condition and have a valid Medical Exemption Certificate (MEDEX)
- have a continuing physical disability that prevents you from going out without help from another person and have a valid MEDEX
- hold a valid War Pension exemption certificate and the prescription is for your accepted disability
- are an NHS inpatient.
You're also entitled if you or your partner get, or you're under the age of 20 and the dependant of someone getting:
- Income Support
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Universal Credit and meet the qualifying conditions.
If you're entitled to or named on:
- a valid NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate (TAX)
- a valid HC2 certificate.
If you have a HC3 for partial help with NHS health costs you're not entitled to free NHS prescriptions.
Check what help you could get to pay for NHS costs and apply online.