Due to the recent industrial action by Royal Mail staff, decisions on NHS Low Income Scheme claims may take longer than normal to arrive. Please accept our apologies for any delay. We are operating as normally as possible during this period and are trying to keep delays to a minimum.
If you need to pay health costs while you wait for a decision, please ask for a receipt. You may be able to claim a refund later.
NHS Low Income Scheme
We administer the NHS Low Income Scheme on behalf of the Department of Health for England, the Scottish Executive Health Department and the National Assembly for Wales. The Scheme provides income related help to people who are not exempt from charges but who may be entitled to full or partial help if they have a low income.
The NHS Low Income Scheme covers:
- NHS prescriptions
- NHS dental treatment
- Sight tests, glasses and contact lenses
- Travel to receive NHS treatment
- NHS wigs and fabric supports
The scheme is designed so that you can claim for a certificate before you need any treatment and are able to budget accordingly. However, if you’ve already paid for something, you can apply for a refund at the same time you apply for a certificate.