A income-assessed scheme offering full (HC2) or partial (HC3) financial help with health costs including NHS dental treatment, prescriptions (in England), sight tests, and travel for care.
Disability & Work Health
HC2: 100% full help with NHS costs | HC3: Partial financial contribution toward NHS costs
NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA)
Tick off each condition below. You'll usually need to meet all of them to qualify.
Apply online via the NHS Business Services Authority website or order a paper HC1 form by post.
Provide details of your weekly income, outgoings (rent/council tax), and total savings.
If approved, your HC2 or HC3 certificate is issued by post and is typically valid for 1 to 2 years.
An HC2 certificate covers 100% of NHS dental costs, glasses vouchers, and travel expenses to hospital appointments arranged by local council health trusts.
The main monthly payment for people of working age who are on a low income, out of work, or unable to work due to health conditions.
View guide Pensioners & Older AdultsA tax-free, means-tested benefit that tops up weekly income for state pension age residents and unlocks multiple extra cost-of-living perks.
View guide Low Income & Universal CreditA legacy benefit helping low-income individuals who are not required to search for work (e.g. carers, lone parents of under-5s). Most new claims have been replaced by Universal Credit.
View guide