NHS Low Income scheme

collingbone614

Hello,

I read somewhere on this forum about the NHS low income scheme, something i'd never come across before, surprisingly. It doesn't seem something very well publicised. Anyway, I buy a number of prescribed meds (not for anything glamorous!) and was finding myself with a fair bill. Especially this time of year when i'm munching through pharmacy grade hayfever tablets, the cheaper ones from Boots don't do anything. I also unfortunately find myself a regular customer at the dentists and last time got hit with a £45 bill. More recently I had to see a consultant at Hammersmith hospital in London and travelled down on the train (using the train fair chopping guide on this site, still cost about £85) from Preston.

So I applied to this low income scheme and yesterday had a certificate back saying I am entitled to everything free! I was really surprised because i've found that I can't get any other benefits, i'm not eligible though i'm basically on a pretty low wage.

Just a quick post to say that it's worth applying, the form is quick to fill out. There doesn't seem to be any particular hard and fast criteria publicised so it's difficult to know whether or not you'll get anything. Therefore worth a shot if you're on a low income.

Thanks!

missdee85

Wow thank you for posting this, i will mention this to my sister as she has to have 2 wisdom teeth out but is on a fairly low income - which would just take her ages to save up for!

Thanks for the advice i will go look up all the info for her

xx

Barneysmom

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_10018978

gorgeousgeorge

I looked at the info for my SIL, she works 22 hours a week and doesnt get WTC, just gets some H/B and some CT benefit each week, but after she pays her rent and council tax, she is left with about £65, the same as people on JSA which is really unfair as they can get free presc, eyecare dental treatment etc, and she isnt entitled to anything

collingbone614

For info, I work thirty hours a week and a bit less than £900 a month after tax. No other benefits or sources of income and have a mortgage, am single, age 24.

[Deleted User]

This is sort of a continuation of the above comments. I have had an HC2 for about 5 years now, through being a full-time student and through being a part-time student too.

During all of this time I have worked around 8 hours per week and have got an HC2 every time.

Since I am now NOT a student (I am still working the same hours, still getting paid the same amount, still owing £10,000 to my student loan) I seem to be only entitled to an HC3? Why is this? My circumstances are exactly the same except I am now ill long-term with a chronic illness. I.e. I don't need a bloody discounted wig, I need free prescriptions!!!

I don't think being a student or not is supposed to have any effect on it? I thought it was to do with income? And as I said my income hasn't changed.. I'm quite peeved about this, if anyone knows how any of this can make sense please let me know!! Thank you

Indie_Kid

Deleted_User wrote: »

This is sort of a continuation of the above comments. I have had an HC2 for about 5 years now, through being a full-time student and through being a part-time student too.

During all of this time I have worked around 8 hours per week and have got an HC2 every time.

Since I am now NOT a student (I am still working the same hours, still getting paid the same amount, still owing £10,000 to my student loan) I seem to be only entitled to an HC3? Why is this? My circumstances are exactly the same except I am now ill long-term with a chronic illness. I.e. I don't need a bloody discounted wig, I need free prescriptions!!!

I don't think being a student or not is supposed to have any effect on it? I thought it was to do with income? And as I said my income hasn't changed.. I'm quite peeved about this, if anyone knows how any of this can make sense please let me know!! Thank you

They take off money from the student loan for travel and for books. They also ignore tuition fees.