Which benefits and exemptions automatically entitle me to help with my NHS health costs?

Certain benefits and exemptions can automatically entitle you to help with NHS health costs.

Benefits

You’re entitled to help with your health costs if you get, or are included in an award of someone getting:

• Income Support
• income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit paid on its own, or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit with Savings Credit
• Universal Credit (UC) and meet the qualifying criteria
• Tax Credits and meet the qualifying criteria

If you’re unsure which benefit you get, check your latest award notice. If you do not have your latest award notice, contact the department responsible for your benefit.

If you receive or are included in an award of someone getting a benefit, you’re entitled to:

• free NHS prescriptions
• free NHS dental treatment
• free NHS sight tests
• free NHS wigs and fabric supports
• help towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses
• help towards travel costs to receive NHS treatment

Your partner and any dependants aged 19 and under who are included in your award will also get the same help.

Read more information about benefits on the GOV.UK website.

Exemptions

You’re entitled to help with your health costs if you:

• have an HC2 or HC3 certificate
• have a medical exemption certificate
• have an NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate
• are aged 18 and under and in full-time education
• are aged 16, 17 or 18 and not in full-time education
• are aged 19 and named on your parent or guardians qualifying benefit or exemption
• are aged 60 or over
• receive a War Pension or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payment
• are pregnant or have a child under 12 months

What you’re entitled to depends on the type of exemption you hold.

Scotland and Wales

If you live in Scotland or Wales, NHS prescriptions are free.

In Scotland, you can get free:

• NHS dental examinations
• sight tests

In Wales, you get free:

• NHS dental examinations if you’re under 25 or aged 60 and over

Check what help you could get to pay for NHS costs and apply online.