Help with health costs in Sheffield

Read the information below to find out what help you might be eligible for, or skip to the bottom to download the printable leaflet.

Check if you are eligible for free prescriptions

Answer a few questions online to find out what help you could get with the cost of your prescriptions and other NHS charges.

It takes less than 5 minutes to do click here to check .

Or call the Prescription Services Helpline: 0300 330 1349.

You are entitled to free NHS prescriptions if you:

• Receive certain benefits. To check eligibility click here or telephone 0300 330 1349 
• Have a valid maternity exemption certificate -ask your midwife, GP or health visitor to apply
• Have a valid medical exemption certificate - you may qualify for the certificate if you have certain health conditions for example hypoparathyroidism ask your GP for more information and how to apply.
• Have a valid NHS tax credit exemption - click here to see if you're eligible, or call 0300 330 1349
• Have a valid war pension exemption certificate . You can click here to see if you're eligible or call Veterans UK to check eligibility 0808 1914 218
• Have a valid HC2 certificate - if you have a low income, you may be eligible to receive financial help through the NHS Low Income Scheme. You can click here or call 0300 330 1349 to check eligibility. 
• Are under 16 years old, are 16-18 years old and in full time education or are over 60 years old

Sheffield Minor Ailments Scheme

If you are entitled to free prescriptions and you are experiencing any of the following conditions, your pharmacist can offer free advice and free treatment:

• Athletes Foot • Chicken Pox • Cold Sores • Conjunctivitis (Acute Bacterial) • Constipation • Dental Pain • Dermatitis • Diarrhoea • Haemorrhoids • Hay Fever •Head Lice • Headache/Earache/ Temperature • Indigestion/Heartburn • Insect Bites & Stings •Mouth Ulcers • Muscular Pain • Nappy Rash • Nasal Congestion • Period Pain •Pruritus • Sore Throat • Teething • Threadworm • Thrush (including Oral Thrush) •Toothache •Tummy Upset

Speak to your pharmacist for more information

Is your family eligible for free milk, fruit, veg and vitamins?

If you’re receiving a qualifying benefit and are pregnant or have a child under 4, you can get help to buy healthy food and milk.

If you’re eligible, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops to buy milk, fruit, and vegetables. Women can have Healthy Start vitamin tablets while they’re pregnant and up to their baby’s 1st birthday. Children can have free Healthy Start vitamin drops from the age of 4 weeks until their 4th birthday.

For more information speak to your midwife or health visitor, or click here.

Sight tests, glasses and contact lenses

You're entitled to a free NHS sight test if you:

• Are aged 60 or over
• Are registered blind or partially sighted
• Have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
• Are aged 40 or over and have a close relative (parent, sibling or child) with a history of glaucoma
• Have been advised by an ophthalmologist that you are at risk of glaucoma

You're entitled to a free NHS sight test and help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses if you:

• Are aged under 16, or under 19 and in qualifying full time education
• Are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher
• Are a prisoner on leave from prison
• Claim certain benefits
• Are named on or entitled to a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
• Have a valid HC2 certificate for full help with health costs (NHS Low Income Scheme)

Find out more by clicking here or call the NHS Help with Healthcosts Helpline: 0300 330 1343.

You can also answer a few questions online to find out what help you could get with the cost of NHS optician charges. It takes less than 5 minutes to do click here to check.

Other cost of living support

• Citizens Advice Sheffield  Get help with the cost of living , Free advice line: 0808 278 7820

• Sheffield City Council Cost of Living - Here you can find out what local and national support is available to help you manage the cost of living in Sheffield. This includes information around support with money, food and food banks, energy and travel.  Community Helpline 0114 273 4567

• Voluntary Action Sheffield - Includes the Sheffield living crisis map of support and a food provision map with details of local food banks. Telephone 0114 253 6600

• Turn2Us - A national charity providing practical help to people who are struggling financially.  Call free: 0808 802 2000

• Step Change - Offer free, flexible debt advice that is based on a comprehensive assessment of your situation. They then provide practical help and support for however long it’s needed. Call free on 0800 138 1111

• AgeUK - Provide support around the cost of living crisis. Call their free advice line 0800 678 1602

• Money Saving Expert - Has a cost of living help guide. There is also an app available to download for free from Google Play/Apple App Store

• Baby Basics - Support new mothers and families who are struggling to meet the financial and practical burden of looking after a new baby. Call 0114 2787262

• Family Fund- Provides grants to families raising a disabled or seriously ill child, or young adults on a low income. Call 01904 550055

Get in touch

If you need a paper copy of the leaflet sending to you, or would like help understanding the information, you can get in touch with us:

0114 253 6688

0741 524 9657

info@healthwatchsheffield.co.uk