Any experiences of getting help with health costs ( NHS HC1 form) please?

Walda_Wild

Good day everyone,

I have been experiencing several ongoing and recurrent health issues during the last few years. I am currently not working and even though my husband does, I find it difficult to fund my prescription medications on top of eye checks, spectacles + contact lenses and regular dental treatments.

A couple of people I know have NHS exemptions for their needs but both of them are in receipt of various benefits which neither I nor my husband are.

I have now printed out NHS HC1 form (Claim for help with health costs). It is a rather lengthy form, so it would be quite helpful to hear some opinions regarding the following:

If neither of us receive any support from government, but i am unemployed, would I be likely to be entitled to any help with health costs?

Husband's annual income is above national average, we have no dependant children, but no savings, other sources of income, some debts and the mortgage.
Would these factors potentially affect my claim negatively?

I have not managed to find other relative threads on this subject via search engine on the forum so far.

But any useful links, advice and personal experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks to all in advance.

Spoonie_Turtle

No personal experience here as I was able to claim a qualifying benefit before I needed dental treatment, but they do say they decide each case individually based on income, outgoings, and your health costs. I don't know how they work it out - they probably don't publish that information for a reason! - but you can only try

Walda_Wild

Spoonie_Turtle wrote: »

No personal experience here as I was able to claim a qualifying benefit before I needed dental treatment, but they do say they decide each case individually based on income, outgoings, and your health costs. I don't know how they work it out - they probably don't publish that information for a reason! - but you can only try

Hi, Spoonie Turtle, thanks for your reply.

Could you explain what you meant by a " qualifying benefit" Please? As I am also having a dental check up soon and likely to need treatment too.

Many thanks.:)

Spoonie_Turtle

I'm claiming Universal Credit

Edit: have you considered whether you might be able to claim PIP if your health issues affect your ability to do daily activities? It wouldn't entitle you to help with NHS costs but would be extra money to help you afford them.

Walda_Wild

Spoonie_Turtle wrote: »

I'm claiming Universal Credit

Edit: have you considered whether you might be able to claim PIP if your health issues affect your ability to do daily activities? It wouldn't entitle you to help with NHS costs but would be extra money to help you afford them.

I thought about it, but having looked through their points system, I came to a conclusion that I might not be ill enough to qualify as disabled or similar. As i have no mobility problems, can feed and dress myself, etc.

Thanks for your second thoughts though:)

suejb2

I have no experience of the forms you talk about, however, can you claim for careers allowance or attendance allowance?

gettingtheresometime

Have you thought about a season ticket for your prescriptions?

sheramber

Have you seen this link https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/help-with-health-costs/nhs-low-income-scheme-lis/

There is a helpline you can contact for help with the form.

Spoonie_Turtle

Walda_Wild wrote: »

I thought about it, but having looked through their points system, I came to a conclusion that I might not be ill enough to qualify as disabled or similar. As i have no mobility problems, can feed and dress myself, etc.

Thanks for your second thoughts though:)

That's understandable, however the descriptors also take into account how long it takes, whether you can things reliably and repeatedly whenever you need to, whether you need any aids to help (including needing to sit or take breaks), etc. Of course, you may still not qualify but I advise looking into it thoroughly before discounting it. These links might help:

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-claim/fill-in-form/3-prepare-and-cook-meal/
https://pipinfo.net/
And here's the guidance that explains how they assess according to the descriptors: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria

If you have already looked into it thoroughly then please accept my apologies for assuming otherwise :embarasse it's just over on the Benefits section of the forum we find lots of people aren't aware of all the aspects of PIP, and wrongly assume they wouldn't be entitled to anything.

tidus

The majority of people who qualify for help after sending off a HC1 are students - presumably because they don't qualify for other benefits.

It would seem that for most other folk classed as in need, they are already on benefits so it doesn't apply.

No harm in filling it out but I wouldn't get your hopes up.

Walda_Wild

suejb2 wrote: »

I have no experience of the forms you talk about, however, can you claim for careers allowance or attendance allowance?

Did you mean - carer's allowance? I am not being cared for or care for anyone myself, so not quite applicable, I am afraid.