Thousands of young people in the UK are already receiving support through the NHS Low Income Scheme, a national NHS scheme that provides financial assistance for healthcare access based on specific eligibility criteria. The program is available to certain groups who meet defined income and asset thresholds.
According to Gloucestershire Live, students heading to university are among those being advised to review their eligibility. The scheme’s coverage and conditions vary depending on each applicant’s situation. As part of wider efforts to reduce barriers to healthcare, the NHS is highlighting existing support options that may not be widely known among younger adults and students.
Thousands Already Benefitting From NHS Assistance
According to the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), thousands are already receiving support through the NHS Low Income Scheme. In the financial year 2024–2025, nearly 49,000 certificates were issued to individuals aged 20 to 24, and an additional 31,900 certificates went to applicants aged 19 and under.
This uptake reflects the growing relevance of the scheme for young adults, especially those entering university life with limited income and financial independence. As the cost of living and education rises, access to affordable healthcare becomes increasingly important for students.
Eligibility and Financial Thresholds
The NHS Low Income Scheme is designed for UK residents with limited financial resources who do not already qualify for other types of medical cost exemptions. It considers several factors, including an individual’s income, savings and investments, and their necessary weekly outgoings.
To qualify, applicants must be:
- Students
- Pensioners
- Employed individuals
- Receiving state benefits
- Living in a care home
Savings must not exceed £16,000 (or £23,250 for those living permanently in a care home), excluding the value of the applicant’s main residence.
The scheme is particularly relevant to students, who often find themselves managing their own budgets and healthcare for the first time, and may not realise they qualify for assistance.
What the Scheme Covers
The NHS Low Income Scheme can reduce or eliminate the cost of a range of healthcare services. This includes NHS prescriptions, NHS dental treatment, sight tests, glasses and contact lenses, travel costs for attending NHS appointments, and NHS wigs and fabric supports.
Anyone eligible may receive either full or partial help, depending on how their weekly income compares to their assessed living needs.
“You may be eligible for full help if your income is either less than or the same as your living requirements,” the NHS explains.
“If your weekly income is more than your living requirements, you could still be eligible if it’s less than half the current cost of a prescription in England.”
As of September 2025, the standard cost of an NHS prescription is £9.90 per item.
Online Application Trial and Refund Option
To simplify the application process, the NHS is currently trialling an online service that allows individuals to apply digitally, eliminating the need for a paper form. This digital service aims to make the process more accessible and efficient for applicants.
According to the NHS, it typically takes around 18 working days to process an application from the moment it is received. In addition, individuals who have already paid for healthcare services before submitting their application may still be eligible for a refund, as long as they apply for support within the designated timeframe.
This provides a valuable option for those who may have incurred costs before becoming aware of their eligibility. For more detailed guidance on how to apply and the full list of eligible services, individuals can visit the official NHSBSA website.
For students facing financial pressures at the start of their academic journey, the scheme represents a practical way to manage healthcare costs and maintain access to essential services.
