Who can join the scheme and how to apply

You can apply to join EIBSS if you were infected with hepatitis C as a result of treatment with NHS blood, blood products or tissue prior to September 1991. 

If you were infected with hepatitis C by someone who was infected through treatment with NHS blood, blood products or tissue prior to September 1991 you can also apply for this payment.

If your condition has worsened you may be able to apply for further payments.

For further information and how to apply, read People infected with hepatitis C - stage 1 payment.

You can apply for Special Category Mechanism (SCM) payments if you have hepatitis C stage 1 and your condition has worsened but is not stage 2.

SCM recognises the impact of your infection and linked conditions and the effects of treatment.

For further information and how to apply, read If your hepatitis C condition changes.

You can apply for hepatitis C stage 2 payments if you have hepatitis stage 1 payments and meet the advanced hepatitis C stage 2 criteria.

For further information and how to apply, read People infected with hepatitis C - stage 2 payment.

You can apply to join EIBSS if you were infected with HIV as a result of treatment with NHS blood, blood products or tissue. 

If you were directly infected with HIV by someone who was infected through treatment with NHS blood, blood products or tissue you can also apply for this payment.

For further information and how to apply, read People infected with HIV.

The scheme provides support to spouses, civil partners and long-term partners of a deceased beneficiary.

For further information and how to apply, read Families and estates of deceased beneficiaries.

If the person with stage 1 or stage 2 hepatitis C or HIV died before applying to join the scheme, support is available.

For further information and how to apply, read Estates of people who died before joining the scheme.