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Original poster

Low Income Scheme

13 replies

Needanewadventure2021 · 28/05/2023 21:07

Hi

Has anyone applied for this? I'm wondering if I should.

Up until April just done I was eligible for a Tax Credits Exemption which helped massively. My earnings increased slightly but nothing significant, to £16,000. This was an increase of £1200 on the previous year, which although nice, in the current climate the increase hasn't helped at all!

I currently have a broken tooth and I'm panicking about the dental costs. I'm barely getting by financially with the cost of everything and supporting my son with his medical needs on top. I'm not sure how I'm going to afford getting it fixed.

It's disappointing really that the TC Exemption ended as it's not like a household earning £16,000 with a dependent is comfortable.

Thanks in advance for any advice

OP posts:
ItsAllGoneToHellAgain · 28/05/2023 22:44

Yes we have a HC2.
We did have a TC exemption then, weirdly, without any financial changes they decided we no longer qualified but we do qualify for a HC2 certificate.

You should apply.

Original poster
Needanewadventure2021 · 29/05/2023 00:14

Can I ask, is it a percentage they help towards?

OP posts:
purpleme12 · 29/05/2023 00:47

Oh god I didn't realise this. I bet I don't qualify anymore either then 😱

Original poster
Needanewadventure2021 · 29/05/2023 10:55

Yeh it's rubbish. I've had to stop all my ongoing medication. I haven't had and exemption this year so I'm taking it as it's definitely been stopped. I did the eligibility check online and it only offered me the prepay option or to apply for the LIS.

The income threshold for the tax credits exemption hasn't changed. It's still £15k (and a few hundred I believe) which it has been for as long as I can remember. I still think with current cost of living it's making health costs really difficult. I've seen prescriptions have gone up also. My income only went up £1200 a year, but £16k annually with a dependent really isn't alot.

My tooth is definitely broken. Fortunately I'm not in considerable pain yet but I know it needs fixing. Looking at the NHS banding, I'm looking at £70 odd minimum. So now I'm obsessing over it.

I cant see any definitive criteria on how they assess applications or what Low Cost Scheme actually means? I know at the PDSA (for example) it's a 20% saving on their normal costs. I dont qualify for full costs with them as I have a mortgage so dont receive housing benefit. Obviously Pet care costs are not the same but I was wondering if it is similar and it is a percentage of help towards healthcare costs?

OP posts:
ItsAllGoneToHellAgain · 29/05/2023 22:44

I get full help so don’t pay anything, I think it’s full help for everyone if you qualify, seems to say that on the link.
https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-low-income-scheme/hc2-certificates-full-help-health-costs

I have no clue what the qualifying criteria is, or what we get this but are not TC exempt, I’m just very glad we do!

Good luck, apply asap because it does take a few weeks to get the certificate.

HC2 certificates (full help with health costs) | NHSBSA

If you apply to the NHS Low Income Scheme and receive an HC2 certificate for full help with health costs, you’re entitled to:

https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-low-income-scheme/hc2-certificates-full-help-health-costs

Original poster
Needanewadventure2021 · 30/05/2023 09:54

OK thank you. I've applied. I just need to send them the evidence now then.

Fingers crossed

OP posts:
Original poster
Needanewadventure2021 · 07/06/2023 17:07

Thought I'd update. On an annual income of 16,000 I am not eligible for any help towards health care costs and have to pay everything in full. I'm absolutely shocked

OP posts:
purpleme12 · 09/06/2023 12:36

Thank you for the update.
Since I bought my last prescription I had a washery increase which has brought me up to £16,000 or above I believe so I think from this thread I'll be in the same position as you.
I'm on regular medicine every day so I've no idea how much this will cost at the minute

purpleme12 · 09/06/2023 12:37

#wage increase, that was supposed to say

purpleme12 · 09/06/2023 12:39

Not to mention the help you got towards glasses ☹️

MathsNervous · 09/06/2023 12:40

My thyroid gland has been f*cked since my early twenties and have never had to pay for any medication. Would gladly be healthy and pay though!

I am in Scotland though. Had an exception certificate for years.

Original poster
Needanewadventure2021 · 09/06/2023 20:44

In Wales and Scotland I would still be eligible for an exemption.

I'd gladly pay also if I was on an income that was liveable. But right now it's not.

Anyway thought I'd update in case others are in a similar situation

OP posts:
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