There are separate tables for free prescriptions, free dental treatment and optical vouchers.
You can get free prescriptions if you are: | The proof you need to have | Where and how to get proof |
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60 or over Under 16 Under 25 and your prescription is dispensed in Wales | A date-of-birth printed on your prescription. If it is not on your prescription, show your NHS medical card, current Child Benefit order book, Pension book, passport, birth certificate, driving licence, or any other official papers showing your name and date-of-birth. | NHS medical cards are issued when you are first registered as a patient with a GP. If you need a card, contact your local NHS Board. |
Aged 16-18 in full-time education | A current Child Benefit order book or evidence of age as above and a letter or other document from your school, college or university stating that you are a full-time student. | The Child Benefit Centre. 0845 302 1444. Your school, college, university or local education authority can give you proof that you are in qualifying full-time education (see here). |
Named on a valid maternity exemption certificate | A valid maternity exemption certificate. (This will be issued to you if you are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months.) | Ask your GP, midwife or health visitor for an FW8 application form. The form tells you what to do. |
Named on a valid medical exemption certificate | A valid medical exemption certificate. (This will be issued to you only if you have a qualifying medical condition - see here.) | Ask your GP or NHS hospital for an EC92A application form. The form tells you what to do. |
Named on a valid war pension exemption certificate | A war pension exemption certificate. | Write to: The Veterans Agency, Norcross, Blackpool FY5 3WP. |
You are named on a valid prescription prepayment certificate | A valid prescription prepayment certificate ( PPC). | Purchase a PPC at participating pharmacies or dispensing doctor surgeries. Or apply by post - (see here). |
You are named on a valid HC2 certificate | A valid NHS Low income Scheme certificate certificate HC2 for full help with health costs. | Make a claim using form HC1, obtainable from your Jobcentre Plus office or by calling 0845 850 1166. You may also be able to get an HC1 from your local hospital, dentist, optician or doctor. |
You are, or your partner is, getting Income Support | Your Income Support order book, or an entitlement letter from your Jobcentre Plus Office. | You have to claim the benefit at your Jobcentre Plus office (the address will be in your local telephone book). If payments are made into your bank or building society, you can obtain proof in the form of an entitlement letter from your Jobcentre Plus office. |
You are, or your partner is, getting Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance | An entitlement letter from your Jobcentre Plus office. |
You are, or your partner is, getting Pension Credit guarantee credit | Your Pension Credit award notice from the Department of Work and Pensions, Pension Services. | If you have lost or mislaid your Pension Service award notice, contact the Pension Service phone line on 0845 606 0265. |
You are entitled to, or named on, avalid NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate | A valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate. | If you are eligible for free prescriptions, your exemption certificate will be sent to you. See here if you haven't yet received your certificate. |