Earnings Specific Frequently Asked Questions

Q. My earnings vary from week to week / month to month. Will this make a difference when I claim?

A. The HC1 claim form explains that assessments are based on a person's circumstances at the date of claim.

• For people who are paid weekly or fortnightly, the assessment will be based on their 4 most recent payslips.
• For people who are paid monthly or four-weekly, the assessment will be based on their two most recent payslips.

Using the guidance notes in the claim form, customers can decide when it is the most beneficial time to make a claim. You can also make a further claim at any time if your earnings change and you think you might qualify for more help.

Q. How much of my earnings will be taken into account?

A. Your net earnings will be taken into account after any tax and National Insurance contributions are deducted. If you pay into an occupational or private pension scheme, one half of your contribution can also be deducted.

A further earnings disregard will be applied, depending on your particular circumstances:

• If you are single, up to £5 per week can be disregarded
• If you are a couple, up to £10 per week can be disregarded
• If you are a lone parent, up to £20 per week can be disregarded
• If you or your partner, if applicable, are over 60 or have a disability up to £20 per week can be disregarded
• If you or your partner, if applicable are a carer, up to £20 per week can be disregarded

Q. I am self-employed. How do I make a claim?

A. You will need to send your profit and loss accounts for a period representing at least 6 months. The period they cover must end within 12 months of the date of your claim (or, if you are claiming a refund, within 12 months of the date the charge(s) were paid).If you cannot send profit and loss accounts, you can send a trading account showing your business receipts and expenses for the period ending within 12 months before the date of claim.

If the business has been trading for less than a year, or the trading pattern has recently changed, the assessment period will be adjusted to reflect this.

Q. I am in receipt of a tax credit. Do I automatically qualify for help with health costs?

A. If you are entitled to help via tax credits, the NHS Business Services Authority on behalf of the Health Departments in the UK will automatically send you a NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate. Click here to check if you are automatically entitled to help with health costs via tax credits. If this is not the case, you should apply under the Low Income Scheme using a form HC1. To request a HC1 form click here or telephone the Patient Services Customer Contact Line on 0845 850 1166. If you are not sure whether you are entitled automatically, contact the HM Revenue and Customs on 0845 609 5000.