In the Black Country, care leavers who are not entitled to free prescriptions, can apply for a pre-payment certificate so they do not have to pay for prescribed medication.
Who is eligible?
Care leavers who are eligible for the pre-payment certificate must be:
- Registered with a GP
- A care leaver and eligible to receive a leaving care service from either Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall or Wolverhampton Children’s Services
- Be under 25 years old
- Not already be exempt from prescription charges.
How do I apply?
To apply for a pre-payment certificate, complete the relevant application form below based on your Local Authority area. Once complete, send it to the Designated Nurse for Children in Care, via the email address highlighted at the bottom of the form.
- Dudley
- Sandwell
- Walsall
- Wolverhampton
When will I get my pre-payment certificate?
Once your application has been received, checks will be made to ensure that you are entitled to the pre-paid prescription. If you are eligible if you should receive your certificate within 2 weeks. If there is a delay in the certificate being issued you will be informed. If you are not eligible for the prepayment prescription 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 pre-payment certificate expires?
You will be contacted approximately one month before expiry of the certificate to see if you wish to continue with the pre-payment certificate for the following 12 months and to check your eligibility. Please note if we do not receive a response from you, your certificate will expire, and you will need to pay for any items prescribed or reapply with a new application form.
Where do I find out more information?
If you need additional information about pre-payment certificates for care leavers, please email the Designated Nurse for Children in Care in your Local Authority area below:
- Dudley on icbsafeguardingteam
@nhs.net - Sandwell on safeguardingchildren
@nhs.net - Walsall on safeguarding.walsallicb@nhs.net
- Wolverhampton on bcicb.
wccglacinfo @nhs.net
