Health benefits

Ask your dentist‚ optician or hospital staff for advice before paying for treatment. The HC1 form can be used to claim help with prescriptions; NHS dental treatment; NHS wigs and fabric supports; sight tests‚ glasses and contact lenses; and travel to hospital for NHS treatment. There may be other ways of getting help if you have certain medical conditions.

How to apply

You need the HC1 application form. This is available from Jobcentre Plus offices, many opticians, dentists, local hospitals and GP surgeries or by calling the NHS forms order line on 0845 610 1112 (lo-call rate). You can also request a form online from the NHS Business Services Authority (see Useful website).

For a copy of the form in large print or other formats or for help to fill it in, call the Help with Health Costs helpline on 0845 850 1166 (lo-call rate). They can also provide an interpreter if English is not your first language. Simply call and tell them in English what language you prefer or ask a friend to tell them.

Free benefit check

If you, or an older person you know needs advice, information or practical support on a wide range of issues including welfare benefits, community care, housing and health, contact the Age NI Advice Service on Freephone 0808 808 7575 to speak to a specialist advisor in confidence. Our advisors can provide a free benefit check to ensure that older people are accessing the benefits they are entitled to. 

Last year our Advice Service dealt with more than 15,000 calls from older people in need.  Call the Age NI Advice Service today to make sure that you are receiving all the help and support available to you.