Tax credit exemptions no longer valid from 6th April 2025

Tax credit payments made by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) are ending on Saturday 5 April 2025. After this date, people who hold a tax credit exemption certificate will no longer receive automatic entitlement to free NHS prescriptions under the ‘Tax Credit exemption certificate’ category as it will no longer be a valid prescription charge exemption reason.

People receiving tax credits are being moved to Universal Credit. It is important to note that Universal Credit does not automatically entitle patients to help with their health costs. To continue being entitled to free NHS prescriptions, patients must meet the Universal Credit criteria for help with health costs or qualify under another valid exemption reasons.  More information can be found on the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) website here.