3. Claiming health benefits
If you are exempt from charges because you are a student under 19, you are under 18 or because you get a qualifying benefit, you should fill in the form when you go for treatment.
If you need to claim on low income grounds and do not get a qualifying benefit, you should claim in advance on Form HC1. You can get this from surgeries, hospitals, opticians, pharmacies and Jobcentre Plus offices, or you can apply online or download a form from the NHS Business Services Authority website at . You must provide details of your student loan, grant or bursary, and include a copy of your award letter.
If you have already paid for treatment, claim a refund on Form HC5 within three months.