Does receiving DLA entitle me to exemption from prescription charges?

[coraline1664]

I have been prescribed citalopram from my GP today but have not picked it up yet. I wondered if "E- has a valid medical exemption certificate" would include DLA, seeing as it is proof of my medical conditions? I'm just a bit worried because I don't know if I could afford my medication otherwise. I am entitled to and should be applying for ESA soon which would definitely exempt me but until then I wasn't sure.
Thanks

[coraline1664]

I have just found out that I am not with DLA, but could possibly be if I fill out an HC1 form. Can't seem to delete this message!

[iffybob]

Links ...........

General .......... http://www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/healthc...tioncosts.aspx

Who's entitled to free perscriptions............. ( copied from above link )

You can get free NHS prescriptions if, at the time the prescription is dispensed, you:

• are 60 or over,
• are under 16,
• are 16-18 and in full-time education,
• are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months and have a valid maternity exemption certificate (MatEx),
• have a specified medical condition and have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx),
• have a continuing physical disability which means you can't go out without help from another person and have a valid MedEx,
• hold a valid war pension exemption certificate and the prescription is for your accepted disability,
• or you are an NHS inpatient.

You are also entitled to free prescriptions if you or your partner (including civil partners) are named on or are entitled to an NHS tax credit exemption certificate or a valid HC2 certificate (full help with health costs), or you receive either:

• Income Support,
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance,
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.

Find out more about the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS).

[shaun3210]

I have filled in a HC1 form a couple of times the first time I was only receiving IB and they sent me a HC2 certificate which didn’t cover prescriptions and I had to contribute the first £22.50 towards dental treatment etc, but at the time I was most bothered with travelling expenses for treatment which it fully covered.

The second time my circumstances where near enough identical except at that point I was also receiving DLA, they sent me a HC3 certificate which give full cover and free prescriptions. This is going back to 2007 and Im not sure if they have changed the rules about it at all since then?

[trombone_babe]

Box E is for medical exemptions, things like diabetics that need meds to control it, underactive thyroid, epilepsy, cancer. There is a different box for exemption due to receipt of benefits/low income but I can't remember which one, and as bob and shaun say it needs to be applied for on form HC1.

[Blondie]

http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/1126.aspx

may help