NHS Low Income Scheme (NHS Business Services Authority)
If your income is low, the NHS Low Income Scheme can give a certificate for full help (HC2) or partial help (HC3) with NHS health costs such as prescription and dental charges. The helpline helps you make a claim and answers questions.
Good to know
Help starts from the date they get your form, so apply early, and claim refunds for charges already paid at the same time. If you get certain benefits you already have full help and do not need to apply. Penalty charge letters have their own lines: 0300 330 9291 (prescriptions), 0300 330 1293 (dental). Textphone: 18001 then the number. In Northern Ireland the form goes to your Jobs and Benefits office instead.
Before you call
Have ready
- details of your income, savings and housing costs, and your partner's if you have one
- receipts for any NHS charges you have already paid, if you want a refund
They can
- help you make a Low Income Scheme claim and answer questions about it
- review your claim if you think it was assessed wrongly
- take calls through Text Relay: dial 18001 then the number
They cannot
- take a claim from someone with more than £16,000 in savings (with a partner, counted together)
- take a Northern Ireland claim: download form HC1 from nidirect and take it to your Jobs and Benefits office
Open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 3pm.
In the emergency guides: I got a medical bill I can't pay, or a claim was denied →
- Phone
- 0300 330 1343
- Website
- https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-low-income-scheme
- Hours
- Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 3pm
- Languages
- English
- Last checked
- October 9, 2026
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