Free prescriptions for care leavers

In North Central London, care experienced young people can apply for a free Prescription Prepayment Certificate so they do not have to pay for prescribed medication.

Who is eligible?

You are eligible for a free Prescription Prepayment Certificate if you are:

a care experienced young person from Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey or Islington. (It doesn’t matter where you live now.)
aged between 18-24, up to your 25th birthday
registered with a GP
not already eligible for free prescriptions for another reason.

How do I apply?

To apply for the Prescription Prepayment Certificate, you need to contact your personal advisor at your local authority’s leaving care service. They will help you to fill in a form and apply on your behalf for the certificate. You will need an email address you can access and must be registered with a GP. Where you’re already eligible for free prescriptions through existing national exemptions, you will be supported to access that entitlement.

When will I get my Prescription Prepayment Certificate?

Once your application has been received, checks will be made to ensure that you are entitled to the Prescription Prepayment Certificate. If you are eligible, you should receive your certificate by email within two weeks.
If there is a delay in the certificate being issued you will be informed. If you are not eligible for the Prescription Prepayment Certificate you will be informed of the reason and will be provided with further advice on payment for prescriptions and appealing the decision.

What happens when my Prescription Prepayment Certificate expires?

You will be alerted around one month before the certificate expires. To apply for another certificate you will need to contact your personal advisor at your local authority’s leaving care service who will help you fill in a form and apply on your behalf for another certificate. Please note that if your certificate expires and you do not apply for a new one you will need to pay for any items prescribed.

What happens if I lose my Prescription Prepayment Certificate?

When you apply for a Prescription Prepayment Certificate it will be sent to you via email to limit the chance of it being lost. If you lose your Prescription Prepayment Certificate you can contact the NHS who may be able to help you recover it. Find out how to contact the NHS.