State of play as it currently stands :
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Who is eligible for free NHS prescriptions ?
The first thing to note is that > all NHS prescriptions are free if you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
In England, there are many different categories of people who are eligible for free NHS prescriptions. In each case, a factor like age or income is taken into account to ensure that people are charged fairly.
Contraception
All NHS prescribed contraception in England is completely free.
Age
You are eligible for free prescriptions if you are:
Under 16
Aged 16-18 and in full-time education
Aged 60 or over
If your date of birth appears on your prescription, there’s no need to bring ID to the pharmacy to collect your medicine. Students aged between 16 and 18, however, may need to supply proof to the pharmacist that they are in full-time education.
Income
There are various financial circumstances under which you become eligible for free NHS prescriptions.
If you receive Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance you can get:
Free NHS prescriptions
Free NHS dental treatment
Free NHS sight tests
Free NHS wigs and fabric supports
Money towards glasses, contact lenses and travel for medical appointments
You are eligible for an NHS tax credit exemption certificate, which allows you access to the benefits listed above, if:
Your annual family income, used to work out your tax credits, is £15,276 or less and you receive Child Tax Credit
Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit paid together
Working Tax Credit including a disability element
If you have a valid HC2 certificate, as part of the NHS Low Income Scheme, you will be eligible for free prescriptions.
It’s possible to qualify for free prescriptions when you are receiving Universal Credit, provided that your earnings from your most recent assessment period were £435 or less (or £935 or less if your Universal Credit covers a child or limited capability for work). Under these circumstances, you will qualify for the benefits listed above.
Pregnancy and Maternity
If you are pregnant, or have given birth in the past year, you are entitled to free NHS prescriptions and free NHS dental treatment. However you will need to apply for a maternity exemption certificate.
You can apply for your certificate once you have confirmation of your pregnancy from your midwife, doctor or health visitor. The certificate will last for 12 months from either your due date or the birth of your baby.
If you have to pay for NHS prescriptions while you are waiting for your certificate to arrive, you will be able to claim a refund later. Make sure you get an FP57 form when you are paying for your NHS prescription, and bring it back later once you have your card.
Medical Conditions and Disability
People living with certain medical conditions are entitled to free NHS prescriptions as long as they have a valid medical exemption certificate. This certificate can be used for five years, or until you turn 60 (when prescriptions become free for everyone). This certificate can only be used for NHS prescriptions and must be shown every time you pick up medication at the pharmacy.
The conditions covered by this scheme are:
A permanent fistula needing continuous surgical dressing or an appliance
A physical disability which means you cannot go out without help
Hypoparathyroidism
Myxoedema
Hypoadrenalism (e.g. Addison’s Disease) requiring substitution therapy
Diabetes insipidus (and other forms of hypopituitarism)
Diabetes mellitus (unless the treatment is diet alone
Myasthenia gravis
Epilepsy needing continuous anticonvulsive therapy
Cancer
To apply you will need a form from your doctor; if you aren’t eligible your doctor will let you know.
War Pensions
If you have been awarded a war pension and you are under 60 you can apply for a war pension exemption certificate. This will enable you to claim free NHS prescriptions for the specific disability that relates to your pension (this includes free NHS wigs and fabric supports).