Every age at which you can get free NHS prescriptions and other ways to qualify that can save you £100s a year

THOUSANDS on benefits could save themselves hundreds of pounds a year on NHS prescriptions once the reach a certain age.

The cost of taking medication daily can rack up fast too if you’re suffering from a long-term illness.

NHS prescriptions currently cost £9.90, but there are ways to get them for free.

People that fall into specific age brackets and those on certain benefits, or health conditions, can qualify for free prescriptions.

Below we have listed every age at which you can get free prescriptions, plus other ways that you can qualify too.

Age 60 and Over

In England, prescriptions have been free for women aged 60 and over since 1974.

This was extended to men in 1995. If you’re over 60, you’re entitled to claim your prescriptions without paying a penny.

However, this is now under scrutiny.

There’s growing pressure for the government to increase the age threshold for free prescriptions to 66, in line with the state pension age, according to reports.

This could mean those aged 60-65 could be forced to pay up for their medication.

Those Over 65

People aged 65 and above are still entitled to free prescriptions.

This is likely to remain the case, as the state pension age is set at 66, and cutting prescription access could become a significant political issue.

But with government spending cuts being scrutinised, this is always a point of contention.

If you’re 65 or older, it’s important that you claim your free prescriptions while you can.

Unfortunately, if you’re under 60, the options become more limited.

You can still get free prescriptions if you qualify based on income or medical need, so let’s take a look at those criteria.

Teenagers

Children under 16, or aged between 16 and 18 and in full-time education are also eligible for free prescriptions.

Plus you are turning or have turned 18 and are leaving care in north east London you are entitled to free NHS prescriptions until the age of 25.

This is available to all those who are eligible for Leaving Care Services from a north east London local authority, whether you still live in the area or not.

You simply need to ask your local authority Leaving Care Team to apply for a free Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) for you as long as you:

• Are aged 18-24 years, up till your 25 birthday
• Are a care leaver from City of London, Barking and Dagenham, Hackney, Havering, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets or Waltham Forest
• Are registered with a GP
• Not already eligible for free prescriptions

Medical Exemptions

Certain conditions, like diabetes, epilepsy, or cancer, will automatically qualify you for free prescriptions, regardless of your age.

If you have a chronic illness, talk to your GP about getting an exemption certificate.

This can save you hundreds of pounds a year—especially if you require regular medication.

The full list of medical conditions that qualify you for a free prescription is on the NHS’ website.

Income-Based Free Prescriptions

Those on certain benefits qualify for free NHS prescriptions, which could save you £118 a year based on the new price kicking in in weeks.

You are eligible if you or your partner receive one of the following:

• Income Support
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit with Savings Credit
• Universal Credit and meet other criteria

If you’re on Universal Credit, you are only entitled if your take-home pay in your last assessment period was £435 or less.

If your Universal Credit payment includes a child element, or you have limited capability for work and work-related activity, this limit rises to £935.

To claim a free prescription, you need to apply for a medical exemption certificate.

Just head to this link here, it takes about three minutes- https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check-for-help-paying-nhs-costs/start.

You can then ask your GP for an FP92A form to apply for a medical exemption.

This will give you free prescriptions for five years – after that you’ll need to apply the same way again.

You can use the same checker to see if you’re entitled to free prescriptions and other free health-related support, such as free glasses and sight tests or dental treatment.

Who else can get free prescriptions?

You can also get free prescriptions if you live in England and are in one of the following groups:

• You’re pregnant or had a baby in the previous 12 months and have a valid maternity exemption certificate
• You have a specific medical condition and have valid medical exemption card
• You have a continuing physical disability that prevents you going out without help from another person and have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx)
• You hold a valid war pension exemption certificate and the prescription is for your accepted disability
• You are an NHS inpatient

You can also get free prescriptions if you are entitled to an NHS tax credit exemption certificate.

You qualify for one of these if you receive child tax credits or working tax credits (including a disability or severe disability element).

You also need to have an income of less than £15,276 a year.

How else to save money on prescriptions

There is one other way you can save money on prescriptions if you’re not on one of the above benefits or of a certain age.

You can pay for them in advance with a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC), called “season tickets” by Martin Lewis.

You can buy three-month and 12-month certificates and pay a set price, regardless of how many prescriptions you need.

So they can be a money-saving option if you’re someone who regularly takes medication.

A three-month PPC costs £31.25 while a 12-month PPC costs £111.60. You can also pay for it in 10 direct debit instalments of £11.16 each.

How much you’ll save with a PPC depends on how often you take medication.

But, hypothetically, if you get four items a month and pay 12 months in advance (from May 1), you could save £363.60.

You can buy a PPC online via the Government’s website or call the order line and pay by direct debit or credit card.

The number to call is 0300 330 1341.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories