HC2 Certificates

43 - HC2 Certificates

PURPOSE

1. This bulletin provides guidance to caseworkers on how and when to issue HC2 Certificates.

WHAT ARE THEY?

2. HC2 Certificates are issued by NASS on behalf of the Department of Health. They give entitlement to:

Free NHS prescriptions
Free NHS dental treatment
Free NHS wigs and fabric supports
Free NHS eye sight tests
Vouchers towards the cost of spectacles
Refunds of necessary travel costs to and from hospital for NHS treatment

WHO GETS THEM?

3. HC2s are issued only to NASS supported main applicants, but details of any dependants are included on the certificate, so that the whole family benefits.

WHEN ARE THEY ISSUED?

4. The initial certificate is issued as part of the support package. Certificates are issued for 6 months, and must include the main applicant's name and address, the date the NASS application was received and an expiry date to make it valid.

5. Detailed instructions on the storage, stock control and completion of HC2 certificates can be found on the NASS shared directory, under Process/HC2/HC2 Caseworker notes.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE SIX MONTHS?

6. If the applicant is still being supported by NASS a renewal certificate should be issued for a further 6-month period, commencing from the date immediately following the expiry of the original certificate. Eg. The original certificate was valid from 3 April 2000 to 1 October 2000; the renewal certificate should be validated from 2 October 2000.

7. The certificate should be issued, accompanied by generic letter NASS 12xGO1, which is available on ASYS. A copy of this letter is attached for reference.

8. If the applicant returns the original HC2 certificate it should be retained on the case file.

CHANGES OF ADDRESS

9. If the applicant changes his address the HC2 will become invalid. Applicants should be advised to return the original certificate. On receipt, it should be filed and a replacement certificate, bearing the new address, should be issued.

NORTHERN IRELAND

10. HC2 certificates may be issued to NASS supported applicants living in Northern Ireland.

11. Northern Ireland has its own, slightly different, version of the HC2 certificate. Previous advice was that the GB HC2 was not valid in Northern Ireland. However, a recent enquiry has established that the GB version is valid in Northern Ireland, and the NI version is valid in Great Britain.

Elaine Dainty

NASS Policy & Process