Parents across the United Kingdom are being encouraged to apply for a financial support scheme that could provide up to £1,348, separate from Child Benefit. The NHS Healthy Start initiative offers assistance to those who are at least 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under the age of four.
What is the NHS Healthy Start Scheme?
This government-backed programme helps eligible individuals purchase healthy food and milk. Successful applicants receive a Healthy Start card loaded with funds that are topped up every four weeks. The card can be used at selected retailers to buy items such as infant formula, cow's milk, fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, and pulses. Additionally, it can be used to collect Healthy Start vitamins and vitamin drops for babies and young children.
Who Can Apply?
You may qualify if you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have at least one child under four years old, and you receive certain benefits. However, if you are under 18 and more than 10 weeks pregnant, you can claim even without receiving any benefits.
How Much Can You Receive?
- £4.65 each week of your pregnancy from the 10th week
- £9.30 each week for children from birth to one year old
- £4.65 each week for children between one and four years old
Over the course of the scheme, this amounts to a total of £1,348.50.
Important Usage Notes
The Healthy Start card cannot be used online, outside the UK, to obtain cashback, or to withdraw cash. It also cannot be added to your phone's Wallet app. Purchases are limited to the available balance on the card. However, it is possible to split payments between your Healthy Start card and your regular bank card or cash. Some retailers may process these as separate transactions.
For more information, visit the official NHS Healthy Start website. If you live in Scotland, you can apply for the Best Start Foods scheme instead.
