If you are exempt because you receive tax credits
If you are exempt from NHS charges because you receive tax credits, you should automatically be sent an NHS tax credit exemption certificate. This could be up to six weeks after you are awarded tax credits. If you have a tax credits award, but have not yet been sent your certificate, you can sign the relevant treatment forms to say you do not have to pay. You can use your award letter as evidence of this. If this is not accepted and you are charged, keep your receipts so you can claim a refund (see
here). Get advice if there is a delay in getting your exemption certificate.
If you are getting CTC but are exempt from charges because you are getting IS, income-based JSA, income-related ESA or the guarantee credit of PC, you do not get an NHS tax credit exemption certificate. However, if you stop getting IS, income-based JSA, income-related ESA or the guarantee credit of PC because of, for example, your student income, you need a certificate. You should let HM Revenue and Customs know about your change in circumstances as soon as possible. It notifies the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) in Newcastle upon Tyne, which issues you with a certificate.