Page 30 - P4304.1-V109_PS Magazine - May 2025 (print)

Eligibility for Free 4 Benefit Recipients:
NHS Prescriptions: Individuals receiving certain benefits
are eligible for free prescriptions:
1 Age-Based Exemptions: o Universal Credit: Eligibility depends on

o Children under 16.
period. If you or your partner had net
o Individuals aged 16 to 18 in earnings during the last assessment
full-time education. earnings of £435 or less, or £935 or less
o Adults aged 60 and over. if receiving a child element or have
limited capability for work, you’re entitled
2 Medical Conditions: to free prescriptions.
o Pension Credit: Recipients of Pension
Individuals with specific medical
conditions can apply for a Medical
without Savings Credit, are entitled to
Exemption Certificate, granting free Credit Guarantee Credit, with or
prescriptions. Qualifying conditions include: free prescriptions.

o Diabetes mellitus (excluding dietary 5 Tax Credits:
Currently, individuals receiving Child
controlled diabetes). Tax Credit, or Working Tax Credit with
o Epilepsy requiring continuous a disability element, and have an annual
anticonvulsive therapy. family income of £15,276 or less, are entitled
o A permanent fistula requiring continuous to free prescriptions. However, it’s important
surgical dressing or an appliance. to note that tax credit payments made by
o Forms of hypoadrenalism (e.g., HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) are ending
Addison’s disease). on Saturday 5 April 2025. After this date,
o Hypoparathyroidism. people who hold a tax credit exemption
o Myasthenia gravis. certificate will no longer receive automatic
o Myxoedema (hypothyroidism requiring entitlement to free NHS prescriptions
thyroid hormone replacement). under the ‘Tax Credit exemption certificate’
o Cancer and effects of cancer treatment. category as it will no longer be a valid
o A continuing physical disability preventing prescription charge exemption reason.
the individual from leaving their residence
It’s important to note that not all chronic 6 Low-Income Scheme:
without assistance.
Individuals with low income, including
students and pensioners, may qualify
illnesses are included in this exemption list. for full help with health costs through the
3 Pregnancy and Maternity: NHS Low Income Scheme. Those who
qualify receive an HC2 certificate, granting
Pregnant women and those who have
free prescriptions.
had a baby in the past 12 months are
entitled to free prescriptions if they hold a War Pensioners:
valid Maternity Exemption Certificate. 7 If you have a valid war pension
exemption certificate and your
prescription is for your accepted disability,
you’re entitled to free prescriptions.

Important changes effective 6th April 2025:

Tax Credit Exemptions:
As mentioned, tax credit payments are ending on 5 April 2025. Consequently, tax credit
exemption certificates will no longer be valid for free NHS prescriptions from 6 April 2025.
Individuals transitioning to Universal Credit must meet the specific criteria under Universal
Credit to remain eligible for free prescriptions.

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P4304.1-V109_PS Magazine - May 2025 6.5.indd 30 14/04/2025 15:10:48
P4304.1-V109_PS Magazine - May 2025 6.5.indd 30
14/04/2025 15:10:48