Free prescriptions on Universal Credit: Are you eligible for free NHS medicine on UC?
Free NHS prescriptions to end from April? What you need to know
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Millions of Britons in England may soon be charged for their medication, as the Government plans to raise the qualifying age for free NHS prescriptions to 66, in line with the state pension age. But what does this mean for others entitled to free prescriptions? And can you get free prescriptions if you receive Universal Credit?
Most treatments on the NHS are free, but notable exceptions include paying for prescriptions.
Most Britons have to pay for their prescriptions, but there are exceptions including those for people of certain ages, people receiving benefits and pregnant women.
Anyone aged under 16, between 16 and 18 but in full-time education, or over 60 is automatically eligible for free prescriptions.
For older people, the Government is planning to raise the qualifying age for free prescription from 60 to 66, which could come into force as early as April 2022.
Some prescriptions are always free, such as contraception, but others have to be paid for, unless you are in an exempt group.
Do people receiving Universal Credit receive free prescriptions?
According to advice from the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, people receiving Universal Credit (UC) are entitled to help with health costs if their earnings are below £435 during the assessment period before the health expense.
You will also be entitled to help with your health costs if your earnings were below £935 during the assessment period before you needed to pay for the health cost, and your UC includes an element for a:
- Child
- Health problem
- Disability
- Limited capacity for work
Free prescriptions are included under the definition of health costs, but you should also be able to access support for other health-related expenses too, such as:
- NHS dental treatment
- Wigs and fabric supports
- Sight tests
- Travel costs for NHS treatment
- The cost of glasses and contact lenses
Will you need to bring proof with you to get a free prescription?
Yes, you will need to bring evidence to prove you are entitled to free prescriptions.
You may be able to get your prescription without providing this proof, but if you aren’t able to provide it later you may have to pay the cost of the prescription and an additional penalty charge.
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A copy of your Universal Credit awards notice will be adequate proof.
If you aren’t sure whether you qualify for help with your health costs, you can use the NHS’s eligibility checker here: Check what help you could get to pay for NHS costs using this online checker.
What other benefits can include free NHS prescriptions?
You are entitled to free NHS prescriptions if you’re included in an award for:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
If you receive one of these benefits, your partner and any dependent young people under 20 are also entitled to free prescriptions.
If you or your partner gets Pension Credit Guarantee Credit or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit with Savings Credit, you are eligible for free prescriptions.
Can you get free NHS prescriptions if you are on a low income?
People on a low income, such as students and pensioners, can apply for a HC2 certificate which allows them to access free prescriptions.
If you receive contribution-based benefits, such as Jobseeker’s Allowance, contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance you aren’t immediately eligible for free NHS prescriptions, but you can apply for help from the NHS low income scheme.
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