NHS Papers HC1

I went to the pharmacy earlier to fill my prescription for an inhaler.  I told the pharmacist this was the first time I was filling a prescription and wasn't sure of the procedure.  She asked me if I had to pay for prescriptions? I said "I think so" and she later asked if I had ever filled out any forms regarding this.  I told her "no".  Another pharmacist then came over and asked if I was working.  I said "no".  He then asked if I was on unemployment benefits.  Again I said "no, I can't access benefits are part of the conditions of my visa".  He then continued to give me a packet/form to fill out regarding getting free prescriptions, free dental access, etc.

What I'm wondering is if this would be considered a benefit?  The form, I believe is, HC1. I don't want to fill out, or submit any form, that could be looked at as myself trying to access benefits that I shouldn't be.


Thanks for the help!

You should have to pay I believe unless you fall into certain categories, as you don't (can't) claim unemployment benefit I wouldn't have thought you could get free prescriptions based upon the fact you don't work - but I might be wrong.
However, DW was told at her doctor's that she was eligible for free prescriptions because of her medical condition and she had a form to fill in.
Maybe, from your medication, the pharmacist knoew you fell into such a category although I think that form has to be filled in by your doctor/practice nurse.
If you are really in doubt then just say next time that you have to pay.

I had an HC1 from Oct 08- Oct 09. It was lovely. At the time I was a full time student. I was not working but living off of USA loans etc.

I want to apply again the prescriptions add up and your entitled to 1 free pair of glasses or contacts. If you qualify go for it.

I get free prescriptions due to my medical issues.  Certain illness and conditions qualify you for it.  It seems that I had to fill out my form and my doctor signed it and submitted it for me.  It didn't take long at all before I got a medical exemption card. As I will always have the medical issue that I have, I will always get free prescriptions.  I must admit, it is quite nice. 

You can't get free prescriptions for asthma medication. (I'm guessing that was what your inhaler was for.)

You can't get free prescriptions for asthma medication. (I'm guessing that was what your inhaler was for.)

That depends on if you have another condition. Specifically for asthma you can't, but DW has a condition which qualifies her for free prescriptions and it isn't limited to medication for that condition, so she also gets her inhaler free.

Also keep in mind that even if you don't qualify for free prescriptions, if you think you're going to spend a lot in prescriptions costs in the next year, you can apply for an NHS Prepay card (there's also an option for a 3 months card).

When my first load of prescriptions after my bone marrow transplant came to £72 and I nearly burst into tears, the pharmacist kindly handed me a PPC application form. But then I wondered why no one over the previous 9 months had bothered to mention the scheme to me! Considering that the card cost me £104, in the last 3 months I've totally made my money back on it.

I think they were handing me the forms based off the fact that I'm currently unemployed (however, actively seeking employment) rather than the medication.  I do have asthma (sorry, should've clarified) but it's not serious, probably only 1-2 inhalers a year. 

I had an HC1 from Oct 08- Oct 09. It was lovely. At the time I was a full time student. I was not working but living off of USA loans etc.

I want to apply again the prescriptions add up and your entitled to 1 free pair of glasses or contacts. If you qualify go for it.

I do plan on going to school next year, and could use a free pair of contacts...


Does anyone know of any websites that clearly state what is considered benefits/public funds on a spousal visa?

Does anyone know of any websites that clearly state what is considered benefits/public funds on a spousal visa?

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/while-in-uk/rightsandresponsibilities/publicfunds/
and
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/residency/publicfunds.pdf
and
http://www.as.bham.ac.uk/study/support/international/documents/guide_medical_and_dental_practices.pdf

You may also be able to claim for help towards health costs on the grounds of low income. Ask your GP surgery for a HC1 form...Health benefits are not classed as ‘public funds’. Your immigration status will not be affected if you claim and receive any help with health costs.

This quote is from a university guide for international students, but I am unable to find a reference to the HC1 as public funds since it is considered an NHS benefit and NHS is not public funds.

Does anyone know of any websites that clearly state what is considered benefits/public funds on a spousal visa?

http://www.visalogic.net/style/asset/public_funds.pdf

This document contains caseworker guidance regarding the parts of the Immigration Rules that relate
to Public Funds. The content of this document is sourced directly from the United Kingdom Border
Agency and is current as at the date of publishing on Visalogic’s website on 15 October 2009.

2.2. What counts as a public fund?
The following benefits count as a “public fund”.
• Attendance allowance
• Carers allowance
• Child Benefit
• Child tax credit
• Council tax benefit
• Disability living allowance
• Income Related Employment & Support Allowance - ESA (IR)
• Health in Pregnancy Grant
• Housing and homelessness assistance
• Housing benefit
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income support
• Severe Disablement Allowance
• Social fund payment
• State pension credit
• Working tax credit
There are some exceptions where the benefits listed above, are not treated as Public Funds. The
exceptions are listed at Paragraph 3.2.

(Long list of exceptions a Para 3.2 (See PDF at link above)

3. What does not count as a public fund?
These include contribution based benefits such as
Contribution based Jobseeker's Allowance
Guardian’s allowance
Incapacity benefit
Contributory related Employment and Support Allowance - ESA(C)
Maternity Allowance
Retirement pension
Statutory Maternity Pay
Widow’s benefit and bereavement benefit
3.1. Public Services
3.1.1. National Health Service (NHS)
3.1.1.1. The Department for Health has its own regulations regarding whether or not individuals who
are not ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom can receive free NHS treatment. Treatment under
the NHS (paid or unpaid) does not count as public funds for the purposes of the Immigration Rules.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/while-in-uk/rightsandresponsibilities/publicfunds/
and
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/residency/publicfunds.pdf
and
http://www.as.bham.ac.uk/study/support/international/documents/guide_medical_and_dental_practices.pdfThis quote is from a university guide for international students, but I am unable to find a reference to the HC1 as public funds since it is considered an NHS benefit and NHS is not public funds.

http://www.visalogic.net/style/asset/public_funds.pdf

Thanks soooo much!!!!

I read through the links above and found nothing on the UKBA site that forbids me from applying for prescription, dental and optical assistance through NHS.  So I'm taking from the other info I read on the uni website that I can fill these papers out.  Which would be great since I am going to school next year some assistance in paying for glasses/contacts and prescriptions would be nice. 

Thanks for the links!

So I'm taking from the other info I read on the uni website that I can fill these papers out.  Which would be great since I am going to school next year some assistance in paying for glasses/contacts and prescriptions would be nice. 

Do be aware though that you may not qualify for much help even if you are a student. When I was a student, I filled out an HC1 form and I basically didn't get any help at all... it was determined that I still had to pay for my prescriptions, and for glasses they said that they would assist with payment of eye tests but I would still have to pay the first £30... well, an eye test is only about £20 anyway, so that didn't help either .

I have been trying to find out about assistance that is available for free co-pays and free dental for people who have partners who are on pension credit.  Every time I go to the dentist, they have me fill out a form that says I can get free visits since my DH receives that benefit.  I have not been able to find out if am allowed to take advantage of this.  Does anyone know?

Do be aware though that you may not qualify for much help even if you are a student. When I was a student, I filled out an HC1 form and I basically didn't get any help at all... it was determined that I still had to pay for my prescriptions, and for glasses they said that they would assist with payment of eye tests but I would still have to pay the first £30... well, an eye test is only about £20 anyway, so that didn't help either .

It's always worth a shot though right.... worst I'll lose is the 1/2 hour or so it'll take me to fill out that MAMMOTH form.