NHS Costs
Information Pack for Afghans on the ARAP and ACRS schemes
A Comprehensive Guide to NHS Costs for Afghan Universal Credit Claimants in the UK
Introduction
Many members of the Afghan community in the UK, including those under various refugee statuses or holding biometric residence permits or travel documents, rely on Universal Credit as their main source of financial support. In addition to financial benefits, the NHS provides essential healthcare services. However, a common and important question arises: "Do I have to pay for prescriptions, dental treatment, or eye care if I’m on Universal Credit?"
This guide outlines the NHS support available for Universal Credit claimants and how to legally reduce or avoid healthcare costs — while avoiding potential fines.
Background
While the NHS offers many services free of charge, some treatments and items such as prescriptions, dental work, and glasses typically carry a fee. However, people on a low income or Universal Credit may qualify for full or partial support with these costs.
Your eligibility for free NHS services depends on your monthly earnings under Universal Credit.
Who Is Eligible for Free NHS Prescriptions and Dental Care?
You qualify for free prescriptions, NHS dental treatment, eye tests, and help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses if:
You are receiving Universal Credit.
On the date you claim:
o Your take-home pay (after tax and deductions) in your most recent Universal Credit assessment period was £435 or less, or
o Up to £935 or less if you also have a child or have limited capability for work.
Important: If your earnings exceed these thresholds, you may not qualify automatically but could still receive support through other schemes.
How to Claim Free NHS Prescriptions
When collecting a prescription from the pharmacy:
Tick the Universal Credit box on the back of the prescription form.
Sign the declaration.
Warning: Only tick the box if you’re certain you qualify. Incorrectly claiming could result inhaving to repay the full amount plus a penalty fine. Kindly use the NHS eligibility checker first: 👉 Check if you’re entitled https://check-for-help-paying-nhs-costs.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/start
Help with Dental and Eye Care
If you're eligible for free prescriptions, you also get:
Free NHS dental check-ups and treatments
Free NHS eye tests
Help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses
Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC)
If you’re not eligible for free prescriptions but need regular medication, a Prescription Prepayment
Certificate (PPC) can save you money:
£31.25 for 3 months
£111.60 for 12 months (can be paid in monthly installments)
👉Buy online here: Buy a PPC https://buy-prescription-prepayment-certificate.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/start
Proof of Eligibility
If asked to verify your entitlement, you may need to provide:
A Universal Credit statement (from your online journal)
Proof of monthly earnings
Any applicable NHS exemption certificate
Additional Support – If You Receive PIP
Receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) does not automatically entitle you to free prescriptions or dental care, but it may help in other ways:
If you receive the Daily Living Component, you may qualify for the NHS Low Income Scheme (apply for an HC2 certificate).
You may also be eligible for a medical exemption certificate if you have a qualifying long-term condition.
PIP can entitle you to other benefits like:
o Disabled Person’s Railcard
o Council Tax Reduction
o Carer’s Allowance (for your carer)
o Additional premiums if you’re on older benefits (e.g. Disability Premium or Severe Disability Premium)
USPUK Afghan team is ready to assist you.
For further information, feel free to reach out to us on WhatsApp at +447360861633 or via email at afghanistan@uspuk.org.
*Information last undated on 09.06.2025
**The content in this pack is for informational purposes only. It is not professional advice. Seek guidance from relevant experts or authorities for specific concerns or decisions.