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Updated August 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:

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.

Looking for how to apply for an HC2 certificate?

There is no HC2 application form, so there is nothing separate to fill in. HC1 is the only route, and the NHSBSA decides from your assessment whether you are issued an HC2 or an HC3. The capital limit is £16,000, or £23,250 if you live permanently in a care home, and whichever certificate you are issued is usually valid for between 6 months and 5 years depending on your circumstances.

Source: NHS Low Income Scheme (nhs.uk), checked 7 September 2026.

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

1

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.

2

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).

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

6

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between HC1 and HC2?
HC1 is the application form; HC2 is one of the certificates you can be issued if that application succeeds. In other words they are not two versions of the same thing. You fill in one HC1 (online at nhsbsa.nhs.uk/HC1 or on paper) to apply to the NHS Low Income Scheme. The NHSBSA then assesses your income, outgoings and savings and issues either an HC2 certificate (full help: all NHS dental treatment free, plus free prescriptions and sight tests) or an HC3 certificate (partial help: you pay a stated maximum per course and the NHS covers the rest). There is no HC2 form to fill in and no box to request HC2, because HC1 is the only route and the certificate you receive depends on the assessment. The savings limit to apply is £16,000 (£23,250 if you live permanently in a care home).
How do I get free NHS dental treatment on a low income?
Apply to the NHS Low Income Scheme, most easily online at nhsbsa.nhs.uk/HC1 (or on the paper HC1 form if you cannot apply online). If your savings are under £16,000 and your income is low relative to your outgoings, you may qualify for an HC2 certificate (all NHS dental treatment free) or an HC3 certificate (a capped amount you pay per course, with the NHS covering the rest). For help applying, call the NHS Low Income Scheme on 0300 330 1343. The NHSBSA aims to process applications within 18 working days.
Can I apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme online?
Yes. Most people now apply online at nhsbsa.nhs.uk/HC1. The online application replaces the paper HC1 form: you answer the same questions and upload photos or scans of your evidence (payslips, benefit letters, bank statements) rather than posting originals. The service checks at the start whether your circumstances are supported and directs you to the paper form if not. Assessment still takes up to 18 working days, and your HC2 or HC3 certificate is sent by post.
How do I order or download an HC1 form?
Download the HC1 form free of charge from nhsbsa.nhs.uk/HC1, or order a paper copy by calling the NHS Help with Health Costs order line on 0300 123 0849. Paper forms are also stocked by many Jobcentre Plus offices, NHS hospitals, dental practices, GP surgeries, and pharmacies. Completed paper forms are posted to: NHS Low Income Scheme, NHS Business Services Authority, Bridge House, 152 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6SN.
What is the HC1 form?
The HC1 form is the application form for the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS). You fill it in to apply for help with health costs including NHS dental treatment, sight tests, glasses, and prescriptions. If approved, you receive either an HC2 certificate (full help, all costs covered) or an HC3 certificate (partial help, states maximum you pay per course).
How do I get an HC1 form?
You can apply online or download the paper HC1 form free of charge at nhsbsa.nhs.uk/HC1. To order a paper form by phone, call the NHS Help with Health Costs order line on 0300 123 0849. Paper forms are also stocked by many Jobcentre Plus offices, NHS dental practices, GP surgeries, pharmacies, and NHS hospitals.
How do I apply for an HC2 certificate?
You cannot apply for an HC2 certificate directly, because there is no HC2 application form. HC1 is the only route. You submit one application to the NHS Low Income Scheme, online at nhsbsa.nhs.uk/HC1 or on the paper HC1 form, and the NHSBSA decides from your assessment whether to issue an HC2 (full help, nothing to pay for NHS dental treatment) or an HC3 (partial help, a stated maximum per course). You do not choose between them and there is no box to tick asking for HC2. The capital limit is £16,000, or £23,250 if you live permanently in a care home, and the certificate you are issued is usually valid for between 6 months and 5 years depending on your circumstances. If you already receive Income Support, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, income-based JSA, income-related ESA or qualifying Universal Credit, you do not need an HC2 at all, because those benefits give free NHS dental treatment on their own.
How long does it take to get an HC2 or HC3 certificate?
The NHS Business Services Authority aims to process HC1 applications within approximately 18 working days (around 4 weeks). The certificate is sent by post. If you need dental treatment urgently while awaiting your certificate, speak to your dentist, who may be able to note the pending application.
What is the difference between HC2 and HC3?
An HC2 certificate means full help: you pay nothing for NHS dental treatment. An HC3 certificate means partial help: the certificate states a maximum amount you pay per course of dental treatment; the NHS covers the rest. The level of help depends on the NHSBSA's assessment of your income, outgoings, and household circumstances.
What happens if my HC1 application is rejected?
If rejected, or if you receive HC3 when you expected HC2, you have the right to request a review within one month of the decision letter. Write to the NHSBSA requesting a review and include any additional evidence of income or outgoings you have. The NHSBSA will reassess your application.
Do I need to renew my HC2 or HC3 certificate?
Yes. HC2 and HC3 certificates are valid for a set period (typically 6 months to 5 years depending on your circumstances). When your certificate is approaching expiry, you need to submit a new HC1 application. There is no separate renewal form; you complete a fresh HC1.
Can students apply for HC1?
Yes. Students who are not covered by the under-19 qualifying education exemption (i.e. university students) can apply for HC1 if their income and savings are below the thresholds. Student loans are partially counted as income in the assessment. Many full-time university students on student loans alone do qualify for HC2.
Does the HC1 scheme cover private dental treatment?
No. The HC2 and HC3 certificates only apply to NHS dental treatment at NHS charge rates. They cannot be used to reduce the cost of private dental treatment.
Do I get free NHS dental treatment during chemotherapy or other cancer treatment?
Not automatically. Cancer is not on the NHS entitlement list in England, and the medical exemption certificate that cancer patients can apply for covers free prescriptions only, not dental charges. Three routes do help. First, dental treatment given by a hospital dentist as part of your NHS cancer care is free, although dentures and bridges may still be charged for. Second, the NHS Low Income Scheme on this page: it is assessed on income and savings, savings must be under £16,000, and an HC2 certificate makes NHS dental treatment free while an HC3 caps what you pay per course. For help applying, call 0300 330 1343. Third, if you already receive income-related ESA, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or Universal Credit with earnings below the qualifying threshold, your NHS dental treatment is free on that basis alone and you do not need a certificate. (Answer added after a reader question, September 2026.)

Related guides

Free treatment eligibilityPenalty appealsCosts by age groupAll NHS dental charges

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Updated August 2026