Healthy Start: help with food and milk for pregnancy and under-4s
Published · 3 min read · Figures checked . UK rules and rates change, so check the official sources below before you act.
Healthy Start gives a prepaid card for fruit, vegetables, milk and infant formula to some families on low incomes who are pregnant or have a child under 4. This guide explains the weekly amounts and rules, as checked on 13 October 2026.
What Healthy Start is
Healthy Start is an NHS scheme that helps some pregnant women and families with children under 4 buy healthy food. Money is put onto a prepaid card every 4 weeks. The scheme also offers free vitamins: vitamins for pregnancy and breastfeeding, and vitamin drops for babies and children from birth to 4 years.
The card can be used for plain liquid cow's milk, fresh, frozen or tinned fruit and vegetables, fresh, dried or tinned pulses, and infant formula based on cow's milk.
Who can apply
You may qualify if you are more than 10 weeks pregnant, or have at least one child under 4. You also need to get a qualifying benefit. The NHS application page names Universal Credit and Pension Credit (including the child addition).
For Universal Credit, the family's take-home pay from employment must be £408 or less a month. The nidirect page says this can be checked on the "take-home pay for this period" figure on your monthly Universal Credit award notice.
If you are under 18 and more than 10 weeks pregnant, you can apply without a qualifying benefit. The NHS says you qualify until your baby is born. After the birth, a qualifying benefit is needed, or the payments stop 4 weeks after the baby's due date.
GOV.UK also describes a route for some non-British citizens who have a British child under 4, cannot claim public funds, and have family earnings of £408 or less a month after tax.
How to apply
- Universal Credit claimants apply online through the Healthy Start website. The details must match the Universal Credit claim.
- Pension Credit claimants apply by email (healthy.start@nhsbsa.nhs.uk) or by phone on 0300 330 7010, open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
- Under 18s apply by email or phone, not online.
- Northern Ireland: nidirect explains the scheme and links to the same online application.
Using and keeping the card
The card must be activated before first use. The NHS scheme rules say it should be used at least once every 16 weeks. Otherwise payments may stop, the claim may close and any remaining money may be removed.
The scheme rules list changes that should be reported, including changes to the benefits you claim, changes to contact details, becoming pregnant, a pregnancy ending in birth (within 12 weeks of the due date) and a lost, damaged or stolen card. Payments stop when a child turns 4, or if you no longer get a qualifying benefit.
If you need help
Many people find it useful to ask a health visitor or midwife about Healthy Start. Citizens Advice and MoneyHelper also offer free, impartial guidance on benefits and budgeting.
Check before you act
Rates, income limits and rules can change. It can be worth confirming the details on the official pages linked below before applying or relying on any figure here. This guide is general information, not personal advice.
Sources
For information only. See our disclaimer and editorial standards. Spotted an error? Tell us.
