Applying For A Prepayment Certificate
If you are resident in England, there are four ways to apply for a prepayment certificate.
On-line using our secure web application form
This is the quickest and most popular way to buy a prepayment certificate
Postal Applications
To apply by post, complete the prepayment certificate application form FP95, available from pharmacies and doctors surgeries. You can also download an FP95 application form in portable document format.
When you have completed and signed the form, send it with your cheque, postal order or credit or debit card details to:
NHS Help with Health Costs
PPC Issue Office
152 Pilgrim Street
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE1 6SN
We aim to process postal applications within 3 working days of receiving the form.
Your prepayment certificate will start from the date we receive your postal application unless you ask for a different start date. This can be up to one month earlier or later than the date we receive your postal application.
Over the Telephone
To apply for a prepayment certificate over the phone, just call the prepayment certificate order line. The lo-call rate number for this service is 0300 330 1341.
Please have your:
- debit or credit card details ready if you want to pay in full; or
- your bank or building society account details ready if you want to pay for a 12-month PPC by 10 monthly Direct Debit instalments.
Your PPC will start from the date we receive your phone call unless you ask for a different start date. This can be up to one month earlier or later than the date of your phone call.
From a Pharmacy Registered to Sell Prepayment Certificates
To purchase a prepayment certificate at a registered pharmacy you must either:
- complete a prepayment certificate application form FP95, available from the registered pharmacy and pay the pharmacy the relevant fee for your prepayment certificate, £29.10 for a 3-month prepayment certificate and £104.00 for a 12-month pre-payment certificate
- The pharmacy will forward your details to us, and you will normally receive your certificate within 7 days of us receiving your application.
Note: The option to pay for a 12-month prepayment certificate by 10 monthly Direct Debit instalments is not available within registered pharmacies.
Your PPC will start from the date you purchase your prepayment certificate unless you ask for a different start date. This can be up to one month earlier or later than the date you buy your PPC or complete the on-line application.
To see if there is a pharmacy near you who has registered to sell prepayment certificate please read our List of Registered Pharmacies.
People resident in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
The prepayment certificate scheme is for people normally resident in England only. If you are resident in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you are usually entitled to free NHS prescriptions.