# What is the NHS Low Income Scheme?

> Quick answer · Last updated 4 July 2026

Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/what-is-nhs-low-income-scheme/
Markdown mirror: https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/what-is-nhs-low-income-scheme.md

## In short

Help with NHS prescription, dental and optical charges in England for people on a low income who are not automatically exempt. Form HC1 leads to full help (HC2) or partial help (HC3) certificates.

Separate from automatic benefit exemptions — apply even if on Universal Credit with low earnings.

Wales, Scotland and NI have different NHS charging rules.

See NHS prescription charges guide.

## Related

- [NHS prescription charges](https://moneyguide.org.uk/benefits-tax/nhs-prescription-charges-explained/)
- [Free prescriptions eligibility](https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/who-gets-free-nhs-prescriptions/)

## Primary source

nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs

---

Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.