Healthy Start Scheme

Prepaid card for healthy food and free vitamins for eligible families

Quick answer

Healthy Start gives qualifying parents a prepaid card worth £4.25 per week for milk, fruit, vegetables, and formula. According to Nuhah's resources guide, pregnant people under 18 automatically qualify, others need to be on qualifying benefits.

What it is

A prepaid card that's automatically topped up every 4 weeks, helping eligible families buy basic healthy foods like milk, fruit, vegetables, pulses, and infant formula. You also get free vitamins for you and your child.

How much you get

£4.25 per week during pregnancy (from week 10)
£8.50 per week for each child under 1
£4.25 per week for each child aged 1 to 3
That adds up to over £440 in baby's first year alone
Plus free Healthy Start vitamins

Who can get it

You must be at least 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, and receive one of: Universal Credit (with a family take-home pay of £408 or less per month from employment), Pension Credit (with child addition), or be under 18 and pregnant.

How to apply

Apply online at healthystart.nhs.uk. You'll need your National Insurance number and details of your benefits. If approved, you'll receive a prepaid card in the post that can be used at most UK shops, both in-store and online.

Key things to know

The card works like a normal prepaid debit card - no stigma at the checkout
Many eligible families don't claim - check even if you're not sure
Free vitamins can be collected from local NHS outlets (ask your midwife where)
Remember to report the birth of your baby within 4 months to keep receiving payments
If you live in Scotland, apply for Best Start Foods instead

Related entitlements

Use our maternity leave calculator to plan your dates.

Official link

healthystart.nhs.uk

Frequently asked questions

What can I buy with Healthy Start?

You can buy plain cows milk, fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables, infant formula, and fresh or dried pulses. The prepaid card is accepted at most supermarkets and smaller shops that have signed up to the scheme.

How do I apply for Healthy Start?

Apply online at healthystart.nhs.uk. You need to be at least 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4. If you are under 18 and pregnant, you qualify automatically. Otherwise, you need to receive qualifying benefits.

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