Healthy Start vouchers are a fantastic way to access fresh food and nutritious options if you’re over 10 weeks pregnant or caring for a child under 4. You can also use the Healthy Start card to buy essential vitamins, helping you maintain a balanced diet. There are a few eligibility criteria and spending limits to be aware of, and we’re here to guide you through everything you need to know.
What Is a Healthy Start Card Used for?
The Healthy Start scheme NHS eases the financial burden of starting a family on a low income by supplementing your household budget. You will receive a Healthy Start card that you can use to buy any of the following:
- Plain cow’s milk, provided it is delivered in a natural liquid form
- Fruit and vegetables, whether they’re fresh, tinned, or frozen
- Pulses that are fresh, dried, or tinned so you can enrich your meals
- Any infant formula that is based on a natural cow’s milk formulation
- Healthy Start vitamins for additional support with pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Vitamin drops that are suitable for use from birth up to 4 years of age
How Long Does My Healthy Start Card Work?
Your Healthy Start card login will be active from the moment you receive it until your child’s fourth birthday. You will be automatically sent a unique Healthy Start number at the same time as your login credentials. This is used to track your spending and check that you are working in accordance with the scheme.
During this time you will receive the following:
| Age/Period | Amount per Week |
|---|---|
| From the 10th week of pregnancy until birth | £4.25 |
| From birth to 1 year of age | £8.50 |
| From 1 to 4 years old | £4.25 |
What If I’m also Receiving Benefits?
The Healthy Start card is designed to help families and single parents on a low income and is open to users on benefits. Universal Credit recipients can apply online as long as they earn less than £408 per month from paid employment. Please note that you will need to make sure your address, and any children covered by your Healthy Start application, are already listed on your Universal Credit profile.
If you currently receive Child Tax Credit you can also apply, as long as your annual earned income is less than £16,190 and you don’t get Working Tax Credit. Applicants who are already receiving Pension Credit, Income Support, or Jobseeker’s Allowance may also be accepted.
How Do I Apply for a Healthy Start Card?
Applications can be made online, via phone, or email using the details below:
- Emailing: healthy.start@nhsbsa.nhs.uk
- Phone: 0300 330 7010
- Phone lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday
All applications are made to the Department of Health and Social Care and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with set eligibility criteria. To apply, you’ll need your details (name, DOB, address, National Insurance Number); your baby’s due date if you’re pregnant; and your benefit award letter if applicable.
Your card will typically take 5-10 working days to arrive, with a secure PIN arriving in a separate letter. Your credit will then be automatically added to your card every 4 weeks.
Can my Healthy Start card application get rejected?
If you don’t meet the eligibility criteria in terms of income and benefits then your application will be rejected. Unless your circumstances change, there is nothing to be gained by appealing the decision. Y
Can My Card Get Cancelled?
Yes. You can have your card cancelled if you fail to use it in accordance with the user rules. If in doubt, call 0300 330 7010 to clarify whether what you’re buying is eligible for the scheme.
Spreading the Cost of Healthy Eating
Using a Healthy Start helps families and single parents on low incomes to save money on their healthy food and drink choices. The idea is to make healthy eating more accessible during the first 4 years of a child’s life to set them up for the rest of their lives. Help is available from the 10th week of your pregnancy until your child is 4 years old and payments are made on a secure card which is PIN protected.
FAQ’s
1. Can you withdraw money from a Healthy Start card?
No, the card cannot be used to withdraw money and should only be used to purchase eligible food and milk.
2. Does a Healthy Start card change your credit score?
No, an application for a Healthy Start card has no impact on your credit score, regardless of whether or not your application is ultimately approved. This is because you are not borrowing money — you receive a taxpayer-funded grant for healthy living.
3. What should I do if I lose my Healthy Start card?
Click here to report your card as missing and receive a replacement as soon as possible.
4. How do backdated claims work with Healthy Start?
Please note that you cannot backdate any claim to your Healthy Start card. It is always best to wait until you have received your card and PIN so that you can budget accordingly.
