What is it?

If you're claiming certain means-tested benefits you are eligible for free NHS prescriptions, as well as other health costs, including sight tests and NHS dental treatment.

However, depending on where you live and your age, you may be eligible for these items even if you're not claiming certain means-tested benefits, see below:

If you live in England - If you're aged 60 or over you get free NHS prescriptions and sight tests. If you're aged under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education, you get free NHS dental treatment.

If you live in Scotland - You get free NHS prescriptions and sight tests at any age and free NHS dental treatment if you're aged 26 or under.

If you live in Wales - You get free NHS prescriptions at any age, free sight tests if you're aged 60 or over and free NHS dental treatment if you're aged 25 or under.

If you live in Northern Ireland - You get free NHS prescriptions at any age, free sight tests if you're aged 60 or over and free NHS dental treatment if you're aged 18 or under (or under aged 19 and in full-time education).

Please note: Certain health conditions can also make you eligible in some devolved nations but we've not covered this here. There are also rules about getting treatment in a different country to the one you live in, which we've not covered in this guide.

Can I get free help with health costs if I am on a low income?

If you don't fit into any of the groups above, you're entitled to free health care if you’re included in an award for:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit or
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit with Savings Credit.

OR your annual family income is £15,276 or less and you receive either:

• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit paid together
• Working Tax Credit including a disability element

OR you’re getting Universal Credit and your monthly earnings are:

• £435 or less
• £935 or less if your Universal Credit includes an element for a child, or if you have a limited capability for work or limited capability for work and work related activity.

What help is included?

You should be able to get help to pay for the following:

• NHS prescriptions
• NHS dental check-ups and treatment
• sight tests
• new glasses or contact lenses
• repairing or replacing glasses or contact lenses
• NHS wigs
• NHS fabric supports – things like surgical bras, support tights and spinal supports
• travel for NHS treatment

How do I claim?

Tell your pharmacist, optician or dentist that you are entitled to a free service and they will ask you to complete a declaration that you are exempt.

For more information, and to check the rules in your area, see the nhs.uk website in England, Scotland and Wales or the nidirect.gov.uk website in Northern Ireland.