A to Z of MS
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A to Z of MS Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme
This new scheme came into force on 1 April 2008. It allows people who live in England and who receive certain benefits to claim back transport costs for visits to hospital for treatment or clinical care. The scheme doesn't cover visiting other people or for regular GP or dentists' visits.
The scheme applies to people receiving (or who depend on someone who receives) one of the following benefits:
- Income support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Guarantee Pension Credit
Depending on income, some people will also qualify if they receive:
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit with the disability element or severe disability element
If you're on a low income but don't get any of these benefits or allowances, you may still claim travel costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme .
Claimants can either:
- take the appointment card or letter, travel receipts and proof of benefits entitlement or an NHS Low Income Support scheme certificate to the hospital's cashier's office to claim reimbursement
- complete an HC5 claim form - available from the hospital or Jobcentre Plus offices - and post this together with travel receipts to the address given in the form. Postal claims can be made up to three months after the appointment has taken place.