Healthy Start scheme – Get help during your pregnancy and as a new parent
Are you pregnant or have a child under 4? You may be eligible for free milk, vegetables and vitamins using a Healthy Start card.
What is a Healthy Start card and who is eligible?
Healthy Start is a government scheme to assist those who are pregnant or with children under 4 years old to buy milk, vegetables, pulses and vitamins using a special card. Check the NHS Healthy Start website – you may be eligible if you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have children under the age of 4 and are:
- Receiving certain benefits
- Eligible due to immigration status
- Under 18 and more than 10 weeks pregnant
What will you receive and how it works?
You can apply for your Healthy Start card by email, telephone or online. See the Healthy Start website for a full list of items you can buy, including milk, vegetables and vitamins. You will then need to activate your card and use it at grocery stores, petrol stations or other retailers who sells the eligible items and display a Mastercard symbol. See the Healthy Start website to find out more. You will receive card top ups as follows:
- During pregnancy (from the 10th week) – £4.25 per week
- For a child from birth to 1 year old – £8.50 per week
- For a child from 1 year up to 4 years old – £4.25 per week
Further information and help
- Find out more about eligibility for Healthy Start here and find out how to apply.
- Find out more about eligible food items on the NHS Healthy Start website.
If you need some help with making a potential claim for benefits, contact the JJH Money Advice team. Our Money Advice team can provide advice and assistance over the telephone or in person. Find out more here.
Email: money.advice@jjhousing.co.uk