HC1 Forms & Medicines

Most National Health Service treatment is free but there can be charges for some things such as medicines. You may be able to get help with NHS health costs if for example you're on income support or under 16. Check here to see if you are eligible for help with:

• NHS prescriptions
• NHS dental treatment
• Sight tests
• Glasses and contact lenses
• Necessary costs of travel to receive NHS treatment
• NHS wigs and fabric supports

Form HC11 explains help with health costs in a variety of languages.

The NHS also have a Low Income Scheme which can help with the above costs. To find out if this scheme can help you, you need to fill in form HC1 available from

• an online request
• any benefits agency office
• an NHS hospital
• some GP's, Dentists and Opticians

The HC1 form is 16 pages long and only available in English. If you need help to fill in the form, the NHS have a form filling service on 0845 850 1166. The form must be signed by you or it will not be processed.

You should send the form off as soon as possible as it takes some time to receive the relevant certificate. You should use a white envelope with a special postcode printed on it. This envelope is normally provided with the form. Using it will help your application to be dealt with quickly.

The HC1 form should be completed and sent to:
Health Benefits Division,
Sandyford House,
Newcastle upon Tyne.
NE2 1DB
Tel: 0191 203 5555

You will then receive an H2 or H3 certificate which will entitle you to help with some or all of your health costs, for a period of six months to five years, depending on your circumstances.

Prescription Prepayment Certificates

If you are not entitled to any help with prescription charges and if you have to pay for more than 3 prescription items in 3 months, or 14 items in 12 months, you could save money with a Prescription Prepayment certificate. See the NHS website for details or telephone 0845 850 0030.

Letters from Doctors/Hospitals

When you receive a letter from your doctor or a hospital or a health authority, do not ignore it or throw it away. It could contain important information, such as the results of a test or an appointment.