Free Wigs and Fabric Supports

Who gets free NHS wigs and fabric supports?

The following groups of people automatically qualify if one is prescribed. (This includes spinal or abdominal supports or a surgical brassiere).

• Children under 16, and young people of 16, 17 and 18 in full-time education.
• If you (or your partner) gets one of the following:
  • Income Support.
  • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.
  • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.
• If you are a war pensioner and your wig or fabric support relates to your war injury and you have a valid war pension exemption certificate.
• Hospital in-patients.
• If you have an NHS tax credit exemption certificate.
• If you are on a low income and have a certificate HC2 (see below). If you have an HC3 certificate you may get some help towards the cost.

How can people on a low income apply for help?

Some people on a low income may qualify for help with health costs such as wigs and fabric supports. Your entitlement to help is based on your circumstances such as your level of income, savings, etc. Use form HC1 'Claim for help with health costs'. See below on how to get this form. You have to fill in the form giving various details of your circumstances. If your application is successful, you will receive either certificate HC2 or HC3.

• Certificate HC2 means that you will not need to pay the following health costs: prescription charges; NHS dental charges; eye tests, glasses and contact lenses; travel to hospital for NHS treatment; wigs and fabric supports.
• Certificate HC3 provides partial help with some of these health costs.

Certificates are usually valid for six months. If your circumstances remain unchanged after six months then, if necessary, you should make a new claim before the current certificate expires.

How can I get the claim forms?

To get the forms HC1 or HC5 mentioned above:

• contact your local office of the Department of Work and Pensions (the local Jobcentre Plus or 'social security' office) for a claim form. Find your local office in the phone book under 'Jobcentre Plus', OR
• get them from an NHS hospital, OR
• your dentist or optometrist (optician) may stock them, OR
• phone the NHS Responseline: 08701 555 455 and ask for a form to be sent to you.

How can I find out more?

Further information

This leaflet gives a brief summary of how to obtain help with travel costs and is for guidance only. It does not cover all situations nor is it a full statement of the law. The official booklet HC11 'Help with health costs' provides more details. Your local Jobcentre Plus office, NHS hospital, pharmacist, doctor, dentist or optician may have leaflet HC11.

The leaflet HC11 is also available on the internet. Go to the Department of Health's website - www.dh.gov.uk - and search for HC11.

Benefit Enquiry Line - BEL

England, Wales and Scotland - Tel: 0800 88 22 00 Textphone: 0800 24 33 55
Northern Ireland - Tel: 0800 220 674 Textphone: 0800 243 787
For people with disabilities, their carers and representatives. BEL offers confidential advice and information on benefits and how to claim them.

Directgov

Web: www.direct.gov.uk
Directgov brings together the widest range of public service information and services online. Includes information about benefits.

Citizens Advice Bureau

Provides independent advice on many issues including benefits. Listed in the phone book under 'Citizens Advice Bureaux'. Also, see their excellent website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk