Full list of who is eligible for free NHS prescriptions

# Full list of who is eligible for free NHS prescriptions - Liverpool Echo [Skip to main content]( []( "Go to the Liverpool Echo homepage") * [News]( * [Things To Do]( * [Liverpool FC]( * [Everton FC]( * More []( [Buy a Paper]( [Funeral Notices]( [Jobs]( [Advertise with us]( [ReachSportShop]( [Book an Ad]( [Newsletter Signup]( [Property]( [Voucher Codes]( [Directory]( * []( * [News]( * [Health]( * [NHS]( # Full list of who is eligible for free NHS prescriptions ## NHS prescription charges in England have been frozen at £9.90 per item * []( "Share on Facebook") * []( "Share on X") * []( "Share on WhatsApp") []( "copy link") [Comments 0]( "Comment on this article") [News]( **Samantha Leathers** Senior Money & Lifestyle writer and **Kate Lally** 09:55, 02 Apr 2026 View Image People may not realise they can get their medication for free(Image: georgeclerk via Getty Images) NHS prescription charges for patients in England have remained at £9.90 for the second consecutive year until April next year. In the past, prescription costs were typically raised at the start of each financial year, with the most recent increase taking them from £9.65 to £9.90 in April 2024. Article continues below Certain people may also qualify for reduced-cost or completely free prescriptions, though they must meet certain criteria, and may need to supply evidence. A wide array of exemptions could make people eligible for free prescriptions, including factors such as age, specific medical conditions or treatments, and household earnings. ‌ Incorrectly claiming free prescriptions may result in penalty fees. Further details are accessible on the NHSBSA website, including an online assessment tool that can determine whether you might qualify for free prescriptions. ‌ ### Age Those who are younger than 16 or aged between 16 and 18 while in full-time education typically qualify for free prescriptions. Likewise, individuals aged 60 and above are entitled to free [NHS]( prescriptions, reports [the Mirror]( [Liverpool man plans to live on top of UK's oldest water tower but he won't let it be on Grand Designs]( [Track Storm Dave LIVE after 'danger to life' alert issued]( Your date of birth is generally recorded electronically on the prescription, meaning people seldom need to present proof of age when collecting their free prescriptions. ### Benefits Individuals receiving at least one of the following benefits: ‌ [ Get More of Our News on Google Set Liverpool Echo as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.]( * Universal Credit * Pension Credit Guarantee Credit * Income Support * Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance * Income-related Employment and Support Allowance Additional requirements must be satisfied if you're seeking free prescriptions via your Universal Credit entitlement. Eligibility may also extend to those not directly receiving these benefits but who appear on an award notice, such as dependants under 20 or the claimant's partner. ### Medical conditions Various health conditions can make you eligible for a medical exemption certificate, granting access to complimentary NHS prescriptions. Possession of the certificate itself, rather than simply having a qualifying condition, is essential for eligibility, and you may need to present it when collecting your medicines. Article continues below Applications for certificates can be made through your GP, with a comprehensive list of qualifying conditions available online. Those currently receiving treatment as NHS inpatients typically receive free prescriptions while under the service's care. Expectant or new mothers holding a valid maternity exemption certificate, along with individuals possessing a valid war pension exemption certificate requiring prescriptions for a recognised disability, may also be entitled to free prescriptions. For those who don't meet the criteria for completely free prescriptions, several options exist to potentially reduce medication costs. HC2 and HC3 certificates are accessible to individuals on low incomes who satisfy the requirements, which may provide full or partial assistance with healthcare expenses. Prepayment certificates can also provide a cost-effective solution by covering several months' worth of prescriptions at a reduced rate, though they tend to be financially worthwhile only for those requiring two or more prescribed items on a monthly basis. [ ENJOYED THIS STORY? 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