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How to apply for an HC2 certificate (NHS low income scheme)

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In short. Complete form HC1 from NHS Business Services Authority, send it with evidence of your income and capital, and if approved receive an HC2 certificate for full help with NHS charges — or an HC3 for partial help.

The NHS Low Income Scheme helps people who cannot afford NHS charges for prescriptions, dental treatment, wigs, and eye tests. An HC2 certificate gives full help; an HC3 gives partial help toward costs. The scheme is separate from Universal Credit auto-exemptions — even if you receive benefits, you may still need to apply if you are not automatically exempt. For a full list of who gets free prescriptions, see our guide (/answers/who-gets-free-nhs-prescriptions/).

Last reviewed:

·Estimated time: 21 days

The steps

  1. 01

    Check whether you need to apply

    Some people get free prescriptions automatically — including those on Universal Credit with earnings under the threshold, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, and certain medical exemptions. If you are not in an exempt group but cannot afford charges, apply for an HC2 via form HC1.

    Official link →

  2. 02

    Download or order form HC1

    Get form HC1 from the NHS Business Services Authority website or order by phone. The form asks about your income, savings, rent or mortgage, and household composition. Fill in every section — incomplete forms delay processing.

    Official link →

  3. 03

    Gather supporting evidence

    Attach recent payslips, benefit award letters, bank statements, rent or mortgage statements, and council tax bills. Self-employed applicants include accounts or SA302 tax calculations. The assessment compares your income and capital against NHS threshold tables.

  4. 04

    Send the completed form to the address on HC1

    Post the form and copies of evidence to the NHS Low Income Scheme office — keep originals. Processing typically takes two to four weeks. You can claim a refund for charges paid while waiting if your application is approved and dated from the application date.

  5. 05

    Receive your HC2 or HC3 certificate

    An HC2 certificate means full help — free prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests, and vouchers toward glasses. An HC3 certificate shows a contribution amount you pay toward dental and optical costs. The certificate shows your name, reference number, and expiry date.

    Official link →

  6. 06

    Use your certificate when collecting prescriptions

    Tick the exemption box on the prescription form and write your HC2 certificate number, or use the NHS App to prove entitlement. Pharmacies may ask to see the certificate. Dental and optical practices need the certificate number when you book treatment.

  7. 07

    Renew before your certificate expires

    HC2 certificates are valid for a set period — usually six months to a year depending on circumstances. Apply for renewal before expiry using a new HC1 form. Do not assume automatic renewal.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming Universal Credit always covers prescriptions — you need net earnings at or below the threshold or an HC2 certificate; above the threshold you pay unless you have another exemption
  • Forgetting to claim refunds for charges paid while waiting — if approved, you can reclaim NHS charges from the date on your application for up to three months back in some cases
  • Missing renewal deadlines and paying full price for prescriptions until a new certificate arrives — apply at least four weeks before expiry

FAQ

What is the difference between HC2 and HC3?
HC2 gives full help with all qualifying NHS charges. HC3 means your income is slightly above the full-help threshold and you pay a contribution toward dental and optical costs — prescriptions may still be free depending on the certificate.
Does savings affect my application?
Yes. Capital above £16,000 generally disqualifies you unless you receive Guarantee Credit. Lower capital limits apply for partial help. Pension pots in drawdown may count depending on how funds are accessed.
Can I use an HC2 certificate in Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland?
Prescription charges are free in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland regardless of income. The HC2 scheme still helps with dental and optical costs in those nations — apply through the same HC1 process.
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