Benefits Robin

Healthy Start

Healthy Start provides a prepaid card for pregnant women and families with children under 4 who receive qualifying benefits. The scheme is designed to help with the cost of healthy food during pregnancy and early childhood. The card works like a normal bank card and can be used at any retailer that accepts Mastercard, including supermarkets, corner shops, and market stalls.

The card is loaded every 4 weeks with the following amounts: £4.25 per week if you are at least 10 weeks pregnant, £8.50 per week for each child under 1, and £4.25 per week for each child aged 1 to 3. A pregnant woman with a baby under 1 and a 2-year-old could receive £17.00 per week (approximately £884 per year). The card can be used to buy: plain cow's milk, plain fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, fresh, dried, and tinned pulses, and infant formula.

You may be eligible if you are pregnant or have children under 4 and receive one of the following: Universal Credit with a family income of £408 or less per month, Child Tax Credit with a family income of £16,190 or less per year, Pension Credit, or Income Support. All pregnant women under 18 qualify regardless of whether they receive benefits.

In addition to the prepaid card, you also receive free Healthy Start vitamins — specially designed supplements for pregnant women, new mothers, and children from birth to 4 years old. These are available from your local health visitor, children's centre, or some pharmacies. Healthy Start vitamins contain folic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin D.

Maximum amount

Up to £4.25/wk

Means-tested

Yes

Age group

Any age

Processing time

2 to 3 weeks

Key Requirements

  • 1Pregnant or have a child under 4
  • 2Receiving a qualifying benefit

How to Apply

  1. 1Apply online at healthystart.nhs.uk
  2. 2You will need to verify your identity and qualifying benefit details
  3. 3If approved, you would receive a prepaid card to use in shops

What you may need

  • Proof that you receive a qualifying benefit (Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, etc.)
  • Pregnancy confirmation (MATB1 or GP letter) or proof of child's age
  • Your NHS number (helpful but not always essential)

Helpful tips

  • You receive £4.25 per week during pregnancy, £8.50 for children under 1, and £4.25 for children aged 1 to 3
  • The card can be used at major supermarkets, local shops, and some market stalls
  • You also get free Healthy Start vitamins from your local health visitor or children's centre

Official page

GOV.UK →

Evidence You May Need

Essential

Qualifying benefit proof

Confirmation you receive Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, or another qualifying benefit

Essential

Pregnancy or child proof

MATB1 certificate if pregnant, or child's birth certificate if claiming for a child under 4

Helpful

NHS number

Your NHS number can speed up the application, though it may not always be required

Related Benefits

Universal Credit

Main means-tested benefit for working-age people on low income.

Varies by circumstance

Child Benefit

Universal payment for anyone responsible for a child.

£25.60/wk (first child)

Free School Meals

Free meals during term time for children of families on low income.

Up to £15/wk per child

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may be eligible for Healthy Start?
Pregnant women (from 10 weeks) or families with children under 4 who receive a qualifying benefit: Universal Credit with take-home pay of £408/month or less, Child Tax Credit with income under £16,190/year, Pension Credit, or Income Support. All pregnant women under 18 qualify automatically, regardless of benefits.
How much is the Healthy Start card worth?
Up to £4.25 per week during pregnancy, £8.50 per week for each child under 1, and £4.25 per week for each child aged 1 to 3. The card is topped up every 4 weeks. For example, a mother with a baby under 1 receives approximately £442/year for that child alone.
Where can I use the Healthy Start card?
The card works anywhere that accepts Mastercard payments. This includes major supermarkets (Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl), local convenience stores, market stalls, and greengrocers. You can buy plain cow's milk, fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, fresh, dried and tinned pulses, and infant formula.
How do I apply for Healthy Start?
Apply online at healthystart.nhs.uk. You will need to provide your personal details, confirm your qualifying benefit, and verify your pregnancy or children's details. If approved, your prepaid card is posted to you and activated once you receive it. Processing usually takes 2 to 3 weeks.
What are Healthy Start vitamins?
As well as the prepaid card, you receive free Healthy Start vitamins. These contain folic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin D — nutrients particularly important during pregnancy and early childhood. Ask your health visitor, midwife, or local children's centre where to collect them.

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Important: Benefits Robin is not affiliated with the DWP or UK Government. We provide information and assistance, not legal or financial advice. These are estimates based on your answers. Final decisions are made by the DWP.