Exemption certificates are issued to:
expectant mothers and mothers who have a child under one year old; people suffering from certain specified medical conditions;
war or service disablement pensioners (in respect of prescriptions required for their pensionable disablements only);
people (and their dependants) who are receiving supplementary benefit or family income supplement; and
people with low income-see below.
Further information: Leaflet FP91/EC91 from post offices, local social security offices and NHS Family Practitioner Committees (Health Boards in Scotland).
People with low income can also claim for exemption. If a charge has already been paid when the claim is made the chemist's receipt (form FP57/EC57) should be attached to the claim form.
If the claim is allowed an exemption certificate is issued. This entitles the holder and his dependants to obtain free prescriptions for up to 12 months. If a charge has already been paid a refund is given.
If income is just too high to qualify for an exemption certificate refunds may still be payable for weeks in which a large number of charges are incurred. See also "Low income entitlement” on page 37.
Further information: Leaflet M11 (includes a claim form) from post offices, local social security offices and NHS Family Practitioner Committees (Health Boards in Scotland).
Prepayment certificates
Prepayment certificates or "season tickets" can be used to limit the outlay on charges where an exemption certificate cannot be issued. A prepayment certificate is worthwhile for anyone who needs to have more than 10 items dispensed in six months, or more than 17 items in 12 months. A certificate to cover six months costs £2 and a certificate to cover 12 months costs £3.50, paid in advance to the NHS Family Practitioner Committee (Health Board in Scotland).
Further information: Form FP95/EC95 (includes an application form) from post offices, local social security offices, NHS Family Practitioner Com- mittees (Health Boards in Scotland).
Rate rebates
Provided that they are not getting supplementary benefit owner-occupiers and tenants (including those who pay rates as part of their rent) can claim a rebate on their general rates.
Residents of commercial or mixed properties can qualify for a rebate on the domestic part.
The table on page 24 gives a rough guide as to how much rebate a person might get. However it does not cover everything. For example, families with more than three children or disabled people get larger rebates. Anyone who is in doubt as to whether they might qualify should apply-there is nothing to lose. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
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