Health benefits
In Scotland, most NHS services are free, including prescriptions and eye and dental checks.
Clients might have to pay for some other services, such as NHS dental treatment and glasses and contact lenses. They might be exempt from these charges or be able to claim a reduction on low-income grounds. They can be exempt either because they are getting a qualifying benefit or because they are in one of the exempt groups.
Clients can get free NHS dental treament, vouchers for glasses and contact lenses and certain fares to hospitals if they receive:
•UC and either have no earnings or have earnings below a certain amount;
•IS;
•income-related ESA;
•income-based JSA;
•the guarantee credit of PC;
•CTC and they are not eligible for WTC – eg, because they do not work enough hours to qualify;
•CTC and WTC;
•WTC that includes a disability or severe disability element and they have income below an income threshold.
Clients who do not get any of the above benefits might be able to get help under the NHS low income scheme. They should apply directly to the NHS Business Services Authority by completing an HC1 form. This form should be available from community pharmacies, GP practices, citizens advice bureaux and Jobcentre plus offices.
There are different rules for exemption from NHS dental treatment, help with glasses and contact lenses and help with travel costs. For example, dental treatment is free for women who are pregnant or who have given birth in the last 12 months as well as for young people aged under 26 years old. Young people aged 16 to 18 in full-time education can get help with the cost of glasses and contact lenses.