Do You Get Free Prescriptions on Universal Credit in the UK?
Are you on Universal Credit and wondering if you’re eligible for free NHS prescriptions? With the rising cost of living, many people on Universal Credit are looking for ways to reduce their essential healthcare expenses.
Understanding your entitlement to free prescriptions is crucial, as it could save you significant costs.
In this guide, we’ll break down who qualifies for free prescriptions on Universal Credit, how to check your eligibility, and what steps to take to claim them.
We’ll also highlight important alternatives for those who may not meet the eligibility criteria.
What Are NHS Free Prescriptions?
NHS prescriptions are medications prescribed by a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or nurse, that patients can collect from a pharmacy. In England, patients typically have to pay a set fee for each item prescribed.
However, some groups are automatically entitled to free NHS prescriptions, while others may need to apply for an exemption certificate.
Certain prescribed items, like contraceptives and medications for hospital inpatients, are always free. If you’re unsure whether your medication qualifies, your healthcare provider can offer guidance.
The cost of an NHS prescription is currently £9.65 per item (as of 2024). Qualifying for free prescriptions can result in significant savings, especially for those who need multiple medications regularly.
Can You Get Free Prescriptions on Universal Credit?
The simple answer is: Yes, but not automatically for everyone on Universal Credit.
Unlike some other benefits, being on Universal Credit alone does not guarantee free NHS prescriptions. Eligibility depends on your household income and earnings during your assessment period. If your earnings are below a specific threshold, you may qualify for free prescriptions.
The criteria can be complex, but we’ll break it down below.
Who Is Eligible for Free NHS Prescriptions?
Eligibility Based on Age
Some people are automatically entitled to free NHS prescriptions based on their age. You qualify if you are:
- Under 16 years old
- Aged 16 to 18 and in full-time education
- Aged 60 or over
If your date of birth is printed electronically on your prescription, you won’t need to provide proof of your age. However, if you’re aged 16, 17, or 18, you may be asked to prove that you’re in full-time education.
Eligibility Based on Benefits
Certain income-based benefits automatically entitle you to free NHS prescriptions. These include:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
If you receive any of these benefits, your partner and any dependent children under 20 included in your benefit claim are also entitled to free NHS prescriptions. You’ll need to show your award notice as proof of eligibility.
Note: If you’re on contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), you are not automatically entitled to free prescriptions. However, you can apply for help through the NHS Low Income Scheme.
Eligibility for Pension Credit Recipients
If you or your partner receives Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, you’re entitled to free NHS prescriptions. This entitlement also extends to:
- Free NHS dental treatment
- Free NHS sight tests
- Help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses
- Free NHS wigs and fabric supports
- Refunds for necessary travel costs to receive NHS treatment
If you receive Pension Credit Savings Credit only, you are not automatically entitled to free NHS prescriptions. However, you can apply for help through the NHS Low Income Scheme.
Eligibility for Tax Credit Recipients
You’re entitled to free NHS prescriptions if your annual family income (as calculated for your tax credits) is £15,276 or less and you receive one of the following:
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit together
- Working Tax Credit with a disability element
If you qualify, you will automatically receive an NHS tax credit exemption certificate.
Eligibility for Pregnant Women and New Mothers
Pregnant women and women who have had a baby in the last 12 months are entitled to free NHS prescriptions, but only if they have a valid maternity exemption certificate. Your GP, midwife, or health visitor can provide you with this certificate, which serves as proof of eligibility.
Eligibility Based on Medical Conditions
Certain long-term medical conditions may make you eligible for free prescriptions, but you’ll need a medical exemption certificate (MedEx) to claim it. Examples of eligible conditions include:
- Cancer
- Diabetes (not managed by diet alone)
- Epilepsy (requiring continuous anticonvulsive therapy)
If you qualify, you’ll receive a MedEx, which you’ll need to present as proof of your eligibility when collecting prescriptions.
Eligibility for People on Low Incomes (Including Students and Pensioners)
If your income is too high to automatically qualify for free prescriptions but still considered low, you can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme. Successful applicants will receive an HC2 certificate, which provides full exemption from prescription costs.
If you qualify for an HC3 certificate (partial help with health costs), you will not be entitled to free prescriptions, but you may receive a partial refund.
Eligibility for War Pensioners and Armed Forces Compensation Recipients
If you receive payments under the War Pension Scheme or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, you may be eligible for free NHS prescriptions if your prescription is related to your accepted disability.
Other entitlements for war pensioners include:
- Free NHS wigs and fabric supports (if related to the accepted disability)
- Refunds for NHS dental treatment, travel costs, and sight tests (if related to the accepted disability)
To claim these benefits, you’ll need to provide a war pension exemption certificate.
How to Check If You Qualify for Free Prescriptions?
Not everyone on Universal Credit is automatically eligible for free prescriptions. The key to determining your eligibility is understanding the rules that apply to your specific situation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you check if you qualify for free NHS prescriptions:
Check Your Earnings During the Assessment Period
Your eligibility for free NHS prescriptions depends on your earnings during your last Universal Credit assessment period. Here’s how it works:
- If your total take-home pay is £435 or less in a given assessment period, you are eligible for free prescriptions.
- If you receive a health-related element as part of your Universal Credit (for a disability or health condition), you are eligible if your take-home pay is £935 or less.
To check your earnings, log in to your Universal Credit online account and look at your statement for the most recent assessment period.
Use the NHS Eligibility Checker
The NHS has an easy-to-use online eligibility checker where you can enter details about your benefits and personal circumstances. It will tell you if you qualify for free prescriptions.
Check if You Belong to an Automatically Entitled Group
Some people qualify for free NHS prescriptions automatically, regardless of their Universal Credit status. You automatically qualify if you are:
- Under 16
- Aged 16-18 and in full-time education
- Aged 60 or over
If your age qualifies you for free prescriptions, you don’t need to prove eligibility unless requested.
Review Your NHS Exemption Certificates
You may already have a valid exemption certificate, such as:
- Maternity Exemption Certificate (MatEx): If you’re pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months.
- Medical Exemption Certificate (MedEx): If you have certain health conditions like cancer, epilepsy, or diabetes.
- NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate: If you qualify for Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit with a family income below £15,276.
- HC2 Certificate: If you qualify for full help under the NHS Low Income Scheme.
If you hold one of these certificates, you’re already entitled to free NHS prescriptions.
Ask Your Pharmacist
If you’re still unsure, speak to your pharmacist. They can offer guidance and explain what proof you need to claim free prescriptions.
How to Claim Free NHS Prescriptions?
Once you’ve confirmed that you’re eligible for free NHS prescriptions, it’s important to know how to claim them properly. Here’s a simple guide to help you through the process:
Fill Out the Back of Your Prescription Form
Every NHS prescription has a section on the back where you must declare if you’re eligible for free prescriptions. Follow these steps:
- Tick the box that corresponds to “Universal Credit”.
- If the Universal Credit option isn’t available, select the box for income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA). This is acceptable according to NHS guidelines.
Provide Proof of Eligibility
While you might not always be asked for proof at the pharmacy, it’s wise to be prepared. Here’s what you may need to show:
- A copy of your Universal Credit award notice showing your earnings and payment dates.
- An NHS exemption certificate if you have one (like a maternity or medical exemption certificate).
Check the Expiry Date on Your Certificates
If you have an HC2 certificate, Maternity Exemption (MatEx) certificate, or Medical Exemption (MedEx) certificate, check that it’s still valid. These certificates have expiry dates, and you’ll need to renew them if they have expired.
Keep Your Receipts and Proof of Exemption
It’s good practice to keep copies of your Universal Credit award notices, certificates, and any other relevant proof of exemption. If the NHS later questions your claim, you’ll have the evidence you need to avoid a penalty charge.
What Happens If You Claim Free Prescriptions by Mistake?
If you mistakenly claim a free prescription when you’re not entitled, you could face serious consequences. The NHS has a system to check and verify claims, so it’s important to be accurate when filling out the prescription form.
NHS Prescription Checks
The NHS carries out random checks to identify fraudulent claims. If you claim free prescriptions without being entitled, you may be contacted by the NHS.
Penalty Charges
If you’re found to have claimed free prescriptions incorrectly, you’ll have to pay:
- The original cost of the prescription (currently £9.65 per item)
- A penalty charge of up to £100
What Should You Do if You Receive a Penalty Notice?
If you receive a letter saying you’ve wrongly claimed free prescriptions, here’s what to do:
- Contact the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) immediately.
- Pay the penalty charge as soon as possible to avoid further fines.
- If you believe the penalty is a mistake, you can appeal the decision, but you must do so promptly.
Alternative Ways to Get Help with Prescription Costs
If you’re not eligible for free NHS prescriptions through Universal Credit or other exemptions, there are still ways to reduce your prescription costs.
Apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS)
The NHS Low Income Scheme provides financial help for people with low incomes, even if they don’t qualify for free prescriptions. If you qualify, you’ll receive either an:
- HC2 Certificate: Full help with prescription costs (you pay nothing).
- HC3 Certificate: Partial help with prescription costs (you pay a reduced fee).
To apply, complete an HC1 form, which you can request from a pharmacy or order online.
Purchase an NHS Prepayment Certificate (PPC)
If you regularly pay for multiple prescriptions each month, an NHS Prepayment Certificate (PPC) could save you money. Here’s how it works:
- Pay a one-time fee for 3 or 12 months.
- Once you have a PPC, you won’t pay for prescriptions during that time.
| Prescriptions per Month | Without PPC | With 12-Month PPC (£10.75/month) |
| 2 prescriptions | £19.30/month | £10.75/month |
| 4 prescriptions | £38.60/month | £10.75/month |
If you regularly need multiple prescriptions, a PPC could be a cost-effective option.
Refunds for NHS Costs
You may be eligible for refunds of prescription costs if you later find that you were entitled to free prescriptions. You’ll need to fill out an FP57 refund claim form, which you can request at the pharmacy.
Help for War Pensioners and Armed Forces Members
If you receive payments under the War Pension Scheme or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, you may be entitled to free NHS prescriptions if your medication relates to an accepted disability.
Other entitlements include:
- Refunds for travel costs related to medical treatment.
- Free NHS wigs, fabric supports, dental treatment, and sight tests for issues related to your disability.
To claim, you’ll need a war pension exemption certificate.
Conclusion
Claiming free NHS prescriptions on Universal Credit is possible, but not automatic. Your eligibility depends on your income, age, and other factors like health conditions or pregnancy.
If you’re not automatically entitled, you can still reduce costs through options like the NHS Low Income Scheme or an NHS Prepayment Certificate.
Don’t forget to check your eligibility, fill out the prescription form accurately, and keep proof of your entitlement to avoid penalty charges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know if I qualify for free prescriptions on Universal Credit?
Check if your earnings are below the thresholds: £435 or £935 if you have a health-related payment.
What benefits automatically qualify for free prescriptions?
You qualify if you receive Income Support, Income-based JSA, or Income-related ESA.
Can pregnant women get free prescriptions?
Yes, but you’ll need a valid maternity exemption certificate.
Do pensioners get free prescriptions?
Yes, if they’re over 60 or if they receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.
What is an NHS Low Income Scheme HC2 certificate?
It’s a certificate that provides full exemption from NHS prescription charges.
Can I get help if I have a medical condition?
Yes, if you have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx) for eligible conditions like cancer, epilepsy, or diabetes.
