These changes are part of the ongoing migration from legacy benefits to Universal Credit and follow the removal of Tax Credit exemption category in April 2025. People who are in receipt of income Support or Income based Jobseeker’s allowance may qualify for Universal Credit. However, it is important to note that Universal Credit does not automatically entitle people to free NHS prescriptions.
To continue being entitled to free NHS prescriptions, patients must meet the Universal Credit criteria for help with health cost based on their last complete assessment period, or qualify under another valid exemption category.
More information can be found on the NHS Business services authority (NHSBSA) website
