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Patient refunds - HC5s

If I have a HC3 certificate will this affect my claim?

If you have a HC3 certificate for limited help with health costs, the amount of your refund will be the difference between the relevant voucher value and the amount your certificate says you have to pay. 

Why is the amount I paid for my glasses different to the amount I have been paid?

For glasses and contact lenses, the maximum refund anyone can have from NHS England is the voucher value that matches their prescription. This may be different to the amount that you paid for your glasses.  

I have not received my cheque for a refund what should I do?

If you have moved address since completing your application for a refund, please notify us via the online form so we are able to cancel the cheque and re-issue it to the new address provided.

If you simply haven’t received the cheque please complete an enquiry via the online form:

  • answer 'No' to 'Is your enquiry related to a transformed submission?'
  • select the capacity in which you are submitting the form i.e. Contractor/Optical Practice
  • select the ‘HC5 Patient Refund’ option from the Type of Enquiry drop down
What is the process for claiming a refund and when will it be paid?

An HC5 (O) form can be used to claim back the cost of a sight test, glasses or contact lenses on low income grounds. For glasses and contact lenses, the maximum refund anyone can have is the voucher value that matches their prescription.

HC5 patient refund forms should be submitted to the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) at the address stated in section 4 of the form.

NHSBSA will confirm to Primary Care Support England (PCSE) that the claim can be processed for payment and PCSE calculate the refund amount based on the voucher value. 

The refund cheque is then issued by NHS Shared Business Services (SBS) and posted to the claimant’s home address provided on the application form.