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Health Service Dental Treatment

Summary

Some people may be entitled to help with the cost of Health Service (HS) dental treatment because of age, medical condition or because they or their partner get Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance (Income based).or Employment & Support Allowance (income related) or State Pension Credit guarantee credit
People on a low income, including people getting Tax Credits may be entitled to get help.

Who is entitled?

You can get free HS dental treatment if you are:
(1) aged under 18;
(2) aged 18 and in full time education;
(3) pregnant or have borne a child within the 12 months before treatment starts;
(4) a HS in-patient and the treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist;
(5) a HS Hospital Dental Service out-patient (there may be a charge for dentures and bridges);
(6) a Community Dental Service patient (there may be a charge for dentures and bridges);
(7) getting, or your partner gets: Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance (income-related), Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or Pension Credit guarantee credit;
(8) entitled to, or named on, a valid HS tax credit exemption certificate; or,
(9) named on a valid HC2 certificate.
If not automatically entitled, you can claim exemption on the grounds of low income. All claims are subject to checks. View the checks made on Health Service claims.

How to claim

If you are on a low income you should complete form HC1 and forward it to your local Social Security or Jobs & Benefits office.

Refunds

If you or your partner are in receipt of:
  • Income Support; or
  • Jobseeker's Allowance (Income based); or
  • Employment & Support Allowance (income related) or
  • Tax Credits and named on a valid HS Tax Credit exemption certificate; or  
  • Pension Credit Guarantee; or
  • on a low income,
you should ask for form HC5.
The claim for refund must be made within three months of the date on the receipt. If a dental charge is paid in instalments the claim must be made when the payments are complete. The claim must be made within three months of the date of the final payment.

Award

Dependent upon the circumstances you may be entitled to either receive free dental treatment or treatment at a reduced cost.

Main leaflets

  • HC11
  • HC12
  • HC13
  • Social Security Agency

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