Updated June 2026
NHS Low Income Scheme: HC1, HC2 and HC3 Explained
If your savings are under £16,000 and your income is low, you may pay nothing or reduced NHS dental charges. Here is how to apply and what to expect.
QUICK ANSWER
How do I get free NHS dental treatment on a low income?
Apply to the NHS Low Income Scheme by completing form HC1. If your savings are under £16,000 and your income is low, you may qualify for an HC2 certificate (all NHS dental treatment free) or an HC3 certificate (a capped amount you pay per course, NHS pays the rest). The NHS Business Services Authority aims to process HC1 applications within 18 working days.
You may qualify if all three apply:
- You are not already on a qualifying benefit (Income Support, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, income-based JSA, income-related ESA, or qualifying Universal Credit) which gives free treatment automatically.
- Your household savings and capital are under £16,000 (£23,250 if you live permanently in a care home).
- Your income is low relative to your rent, council tax, and other regular outgoings.
Most people now apply online at nhsbsa.nhs.uk/HC1. If you cannot apply online, complete the paper HC1 form (download it, or order one by calling 0300 123 0849) and post it to the NHSBSA. For help with your application, call the NHS Low Income Scheme on 0300 330 1343. Certificates are valid for 6 months to 5 years depending on your circumstances.
How to apply: online or by post
There are two ways to apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme. The same application covers an HC2 certificate (full help) or an HC3 certificate (partial help); you do not apply for HC2 or HC3 separately.
OPTION 1 — RECOMMENDED
Apply online
Go to nhsbsa.nhs.uk/HC1 and complete the online application. You upload photos or scans of your evidence (payslips, benefit letters, bank statements) instead of posting originals, so there is nothing to lose in the post.
Most people can apply online. The online service tells you at the start whether your circumstances are supported; if not, it points you to the paper form.
OPTION 2
Paper HC1 form
Download the HC1 form from nhsbsa.nhs.uk/HC1, or order a paper copy by calling 0300 123 0849. Forms are also stocked by many Jobcentre Plus offices, NHS hospitals, dental practices, and pharmacies.
Complete it, enclose copies of your evidence, and post it to: NHS Low Income Scheme, NHS Business Services Authority, Bridge House, 152 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6SN. Keep a photocopy before you send it.
Either way, the NHSBSA aims to assess applications within 18 working days and posts your HC2 or HC3 certificate to you.
Who is this scheme for?
The HC1/HC2 scheme is for people who are not on qualifying benefits (Income Support, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, income-based JSA, income-related ESA, or qualifying Universal Credit) but who have a low income and limited savings.
Typical applicants: self-employed on a low income, part-time workers, people between jobs, students in higher education, carers not in paid work.
HC2 vs HC3: what you can get
HC2 CERTIFICATE
Full help
- All NHS dental treatment is free
- Free NHS prescriptions
- Free NHS sight tests
- Help with glasses voucher
HC3 CERTIFICATE
Partial help
- Certificate states maximum you pay per course
- NHS covers the rest above your maximum
- Also reduces prescription costs
- Can be appealed if you expected HC2
The HC1 form walkthrough
Apply online or get the paper HC1 form
The quickest route is the online application at nhsbsa.nhs.uk/HC1, where you upload your evidence instead of posting it. If you cannot apply online, download the paper HC1 form from the same address, order one by calling 0300 123 0849, or pick one up from a Jobcentre Plus office, NHS hospital, dental practice, or pharmacy. Free of charge.
Gather your information
You will need: income details for the last 2 months (payslips, benefit letters, tax returns if self-employed), rent or mortgage payments, council tax amount, utility bills, any savings or capital (bank statements may be requested), and household composition (who lives with you and their income).
Complete the form
Fill in all sections accurately. The form asks about everyone in your household, not just yourself. Income from all sources counts. Do not understate savings or overstate outgoings; the NHSBSA cross-references against HMRC and DWP records.
Send to NHSBSA
Post to: NHS Business Services Authority, Bridge House, 152 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6SN. Keep a copy of your completed form before sending.
Wait approximately 18 working days
The NHSBSA aims to process applications within 18 working days. You will receive your HC2 or HC3 certificate, or a rejection letter, by post. If you need treatment urgently while waiting, speak to your dentist.
Use your certificate at the dentist
Show your HC2 or HC3 certificate at reception before your appointment begins. Keep a photocopy for your own records. The certificate is valid for the period shown on it (typically 6 months to 5 years).
Common application mistakes
- Declaring the wrong savings figure: savings under £16,000 are considered, but the actual threshold for disqualification depends on the full assessment. Even savings near £16,000 may still qualify for HC3.
- Not including partner's income: if you live with a partner or spouse, their income and savings must be included. Leaving this out can lead to rejection.
- Missing income evidence: payslips, Universal Credit statements, or letters from employers for the last 2 months must be included. Incomplete applications are delayed or rejected.
- Not including self-employment income correctly: if self-employed, include your average monthly income after business expenses. Attach last 2 months' bank statements showing business turnover.
- Forgetting childcare or other regular outgoings: these can reduce your assessed disposable income and increase your entitlement level.