NHS Low Income Scheme: help with health costs on a low income

The NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS) helps pay health costs for people who do not get benefits that automatically grant such help. The NHS (National Health Service) set it up for exactly these borderline cases.

What does it cover?

It helps with the cost of prescriptions, dental treatment, sight tests and glasses, travel to hospital for treatment, and wigs and fabric supports. The help can also cover your partner and dependent young people.

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What is the savings limit?

Your savings, investments and property — not counting the home you live in — must not exceed £16,000. For people who live permanently in a care home, the limit is higher, at £23,250.

What certificates are there?

You are issued a certificate. HC2 is full help, where you pay nothing towards covered costs. HC3 is partial help, where you pay a set amount. A certificate usually lasts between 6 months and 5 years, depending on your circumstances.

How do you apply?

Apply online through the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), or by post using an HC1 form. You can order an HC1 online, download it from the NHSBSA website, or get one from a Jobcentre Plus office, a hospital, or a doctor, dentist or optician.

Worth bearing in mind

The scheme is aimed at people whose income is low but who do not get help automatically. If you already receive certain benefits, you may be entitled to help with health costs without the scheme. Helpline: 0300 330 1343.

When is the scheme most useful?

The scheme is aimed at people who do not get benefits that automatically grant help with health costs — for example low‑paid workers, students, and pensioners without Pension Credit. If you have several paid prescriptions a month, frequent dental visits or need glasses, an HC2 certificate can save real money.

The assessment looks at your income and necessary household costs (rent or mortgage, council tax, childcare), so the result is individual: some get full help under HC2, others partial help under HC3. Even partial help reduces the bill. If you paid for a prescription, dental treatment or glasses before getting your certificate, you can claim part of it back using a refund form. Details and forms are on the NHS and NHSBSA websites.

In short: if your income is low and you do not get qualifying benefits, the scheme can cover prescriptions, dentistry, glasses and hospital travel. The savings limit is £16,000. Apply with an HC1 form or online through the NHSBSA and get an HC2 or HC3 certificate.