Help with prescription charges (England)
Free NHS prescriptions in England if you have a qualifying exemption, medical condition or low income — not automatically because you get PIP.
What you get
Free NHS prescriptions if you qualify for an exemption, or help through the NHS Low Income Scheme. England still charges for prescriptions if you do not qualify. Prescriptions are already free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so this page is about England.
Who can get it
Official NHS exemptions include, among other things, being 60 or over, being under 16 (or under 19 and in qualifying full-time education), pregnancy or having had a baby in the last 12 months, certain medical conditions with a valid exemption certificate, and getting certain benefits such as Pension Credit Guarantee Credit or some Universal Credit awards that meet the official earnings rules. Personal Independence Payment and Disability Living Allowance are not, by themselves, listed as automatic prescription exemptions. Always check the current NHS list.
How to apply
If a benefit already entitles you, tick the exemption on the prescription form and keep evidence. For a medical exemption, apply with the official form through your doctor. For low income, apply to the NHS Low Income Scheme.