Help with your shopping through the Healthy Start Card

The Healthy Start Card is a pre-paid debit card that eligible parents and pregnant women can use in most UK shops to buy cow’s milk, infant formula, fresh, frozen and tinned fruit and vegetables, and fresh, dried and tinned pulses. The card is automatically topped up every four weeks.

Who is eligible for the Healthy Start scheme?

You’ll qualify for the Healthy Start scheme if you’re at least 10 weeks pregnant or you have at least one child that’s under four, and are receiving one or more of the following:

  • Child Tax Credit (if your family’s annual income is £16,190 or less)
  • Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income-Related Employment Support Allowance
  • Pension Credit (which includes the child addition)
  • Universal Credit (if your family’s take-home pay from employment is £408 or less per month).

Or you’re under 18 and at least 10 weeks pregnant, even if you are not claiming any benefits.

N.B. Child and Working Tax Credits are ending on 5 April 2025, you’ll still be eligible for Healthy Start if you move to Universal Credit and your take-home pay is £408 or less per month.

How much will you get through the Healthy Start scheme?

You’ll get money added onto your card every four weeks to spend on certain food and milk until your child turns four or you no longer receive qualifying benefits. You’ll get:

  • £4.25 each week of your pregnancy from the 10th week
  • £8.50 each week for children from birth to 1
  • £4.25 each week for children between 1 and 4
  • Free vitamin supplements for you and your child.

How to apply

Most people can apply or reapply online at www.healthystart.nhs.uk/how-to-apply/

If you are under 18 and not in receipt of Universal Credit you must apply by either:

 

To apply, you will need your:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Date of birth
  • National Insurance number
  • Baby’s due date (if you’re pregnant)
  • Benefit award letter if you’re over 18 (you must enter the same information that’s on this letter).

You can only apply for Healthy Start if you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. However, if you live in Scotland you can apply for Best Start Foods  instead.

More information

If you would like further advice on Healthy Start or the other financial support your family may be entitled to, contact our Family Benefits Advice Service on 0800 028 3008 or email hello@employersforchildcare.org.

 

More News and Insights