Check if your claim is eligible before you apply
To qualify for a Vaccine Damage Payment, it must be proved that an eligible vaccine was received and:
- on the balance of probabilities, the vaccine caused the disability
- the resulting disablement is severe
Severely disabled means at least 60% as defined by the principles for assessing the extent of disablement. These are set out in section 103 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 and the Social Security (General Benefit) Regulations 1982.
Find out more about eligibility, including a list of vaccines, from the GOV.UK Vaccine Damage Payment website.
Some examples of conditions that have met the criteria for a Vaccine Damage Payment are:
- vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT)
- Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS)
- anaphylaxis
Some examples of conditions that have not met the criteria for a Vaccine Damage Payment are:
- nosebleeds
- shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA)
- headaches
- backache
- other minor side effects normally associated with being vaccinated
How to apply
You can make a claim online, which allows you to:
- save your progress, meaning you can come back to complete your claim form within 14 days
- upload documents and evidence to support your claim
- submit your claim without having to download and print the form
Once we receive your claim, we’ll email you with a reference number unique to your claim. You'll need to quote this reference number when you contact us. If you do not receive an email within 10 working days of submitting your claim, email us at: vdps@nhsbsa.nhs.uk.
Other ways to make a claim
If you are unable to complete your claim online, you can download and complete a Vaccine Damage Payment claim form. There are 3 versions of the form that you can use. The form you need depends on if you’re applying on behalf of yourself or someone else:
Claim form for claiming on your own behalf (PDF: 250KB)Claim form for claiming on behalf of someone else (PDF: 266KB)Claim form for claiming on behalf of someone who has died (PDF: 260KB)
If completing a paper form, send it to us at the postal address or email address printed on the form.
Forms in an accessible format
The claim forms may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. To request a form in an accessible format, email us at vdps@nhsbsa.nhs.uk.
Help with making a claim
If you need help to make a claim, you can contact us by:
- email: vdps@nhsbsa.nhs.uk
- phone: 0300 330 0013
Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 4:30pm.
How your claim will be assessed
You can find further information on how claims are considered by an independent medical assessor on the VDPS claim process page.
If you receive benefits and you live in the Isle of Man or Northern Ireland
A Vaccine Damage Payment can affect your benefits and entitlements if you live in the Isle of Man or Northern Ireland.
If you receive benefits and your claim is successful, you must tell the office that deals with your benefit or tax credit claim. You can get contact details from letters they have sent you.
Wellbeing support
If you need support with your mental health, you can contact:
- your GP
- Samaritans
Other help you can get from the government
You might be entitled to benefits. Check if you’re eligible by visiting:
- GOV.UK if you’re in England or Wales
- mygov.scot if you’re in Scotland
- nidirect if you’re in Northern Ireland
- gov.im if you’re in the Isle of Man
If you need advice about your entitlement to benefits, help is available from:
- Citizens Advice if you’re in England, Scotland or Wales
- Advice NI if you’re in Northern Ireland
- Citizens Advice if you’re in the Isle of Man
Contact us
If you need help with the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme, contact us by:
- email: vdps@nhsbsa.nhs.uk
- phone: 0300 330 00
Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 4:30pm.
You can also write to us at:
NHS Business Services Authority
Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme
Unit 5 Greenfinch Way
Newburn Industrial Estate
Newburn
NE15 8NX
Privacy notice
The VDPS privacy notice explains how the Department of Health and Social Care and the NHS Business Services Authority securely store data of those claiming a vaccine damage payment.
The data is used to process a claim and support the administration of the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme.