Changes to prescription fee exemptions

From 14th April, some of the rules around prescription fee exemptions are changing.

Patients can no longer claim exemption from prescription charges if they are receiving:

Income Support, or Income-based Job seekers allowance.

However, if you receive Income related Employment & support allowance, you will still qualify for exemption (please tick box H on your prescription form).

If you are receiving Universal Credit (box U), you may still be eligible for free prescriptions, but this depends on whether you meet the Government’s criteria.

If you are unsure about your eligibility for Universal Credit, at the time of collecting your prescription, you will need to pay the prescription charge. You can then request a refund by asking the dispensary team for an FP57 refund form.

For further information, please visit:

https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hwhc-universal-credit

Important Warning

Incorrectly claiming prescription exemption can lead to a Penalty Charge Notice of up to £100, plus the original prescription cost.

Please only claim an exemption if you are certain you are entitled.

Published: Apr 14, 2026