How to Apply for Healthy Start Vouchers When Pregnant?
If you’re pregnant and living on a low income in the UK, financial support can make a big difference to your health and wellbeing.
The Healthy Start scheme offers help to pregnant women, new parents, and families with young children by providing money for essential foods and vitamins.
Applying for Healthy Start vouchers is a straightforward process and can be done online, over the phone, or through your GP.
This blog will walk you through everything you need to know about the scheme, from eligibility to application, benefits, and more.
What Is the NHS Healthy Start Scheme and How Does It Help?
The Healthy Start scheme is a government-funded initiative designed to support the nutritional needs of pregnant women and children under the age of four in low-income families.
The aim is to promote better health outcomes for both mothers and children during pregnancy and early childhood. With this scheme, eligible applicants receive a prepaid digital card loaded with money every four weeks.
This card can be used to purchase healthy foods such as:
- Fresh, frozen, or tinned fruit and vegetables
- Plain cow’s milk
- Infant formula milk
Additionally, it provides free Healthy Start vitamins for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and young children. These vitamins help prevent vitamin deficiencies and promote healthy development in early life.
The scheme reduces financial stress while ensuring that expectant mothers and young children have access to essential nutrition and support throughout this crucial stage of life.
Who Is Eligible for Healthy Start Vouchers During Pregnancy?
To qualify for Healthy Start vouchers, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. These conditions depend on your age, pregnancy stage, income, and benefit status.
Eligibility includes the following situations:
- You are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4.
- You receive any of the following:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Universal Credit, with a monthly household income of £408 or less
- Pension Credit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
You can also qualify if:
- You are under 18 and pregnant (you do not need to be on benefits)
- You are the dependent child of someone receiving a qualifying benefit
- Your partner receives a qualifying benefit
- You are a non-British citizen with a British child under 4 and earn less than £408/month after tax, with no access to public funds
Healthy Start vouchers remain available for children up to 4 years old, as long as eligibility continues.
How Can You Apply for Healthy Start Vouchers?
Applying for Healthy Start vouchers is simple and can be done in a few different ways. You can choose the method that suits you best depending on your situation.
Ways to Apply:
- Online Application: Visit the Healthy Start website and complete the online application form.
- Phone Application: Call the helpline at 0300 330 7010 to apply over the phone.
- Email Application: You can send your application by emailing healthy.start@nhsbsa.nhs.uk.
- Paper Form via GP or Midwife: Ask your midwife or GP for a paper application form and submit it by post.
Once your application is received, it will be processed, and if successful, your digital card will be sent to you within 5 to 10 working days.
Documents Needed for the Application
When applying for Healthy Start, it’s important to have all the required details ready to avoid delays in processing.
The following personal and benefit-related information will be requested:
| Required Information | Who Needs to Provide It |
| Full Name | All applicants |
| Address and Postcode | All applicants |
| Date of Birth | All applicants |
| National Insurance Number | Applicants over 18 |
| Expected Due Date | Pregnant applicants |
| Benefit Award Letter | Required for applicants over 18 on benefits |
| NHS Number and Birth Certificate | Required for applicants under 18 |
Ensuring accuracy in your application will help speed up the approval process.
How Long Does the Application Process Take?
Once your Healthy Start application is submitted, it typically takes 5 to 10 working days for the NHS Business Services Authority to process your claim. If approved, your Healthy Start card will arrive by post, already loaded with your first payment.
Instructions on how to activate and use the card are included. It’s important to note that applications cannot be backdated, so apply as soon as you’re eligible.
How Much Will You Get?
The amount you receive from the Healthy Start scheme depends on your pregnancy stage and the age of your child. These funds are loaded onto a prepaid card every four weeks.
Here’s a breakdown of the payment rates:
| Situation | Amount Received Per Week |
| Pregnant (from 10th week) | £4.25 |
| Baby under 1 year old | £8.50 |
| Child aged 1 to 4 | £4.25 |
These amounts are added monthly to your digital card and can be used at approved retailers across the UK.
Where Can You Use Healthy Start Digital Cards?
Healthy Start digital cards work similarly to debit cards and can be used in most shops that accept Mastercard and sell qualifying food items.
You can use your Healthy Start card at:
- Supermarkets and grocery chains
- Local convenience stores
- Pharmacies (for vitamins)
- Selected corner shops and co-ops
Items you can buy using the card include:
- Plain cow’s milk
- Infant formula milk
- Fresh, tinned, or frozen fruits and vegetables
- Pulses such as lentils and beans
You cannot use the card for:
- Ready meals
- Confectionery or snacks
- Non-food items
- Alcohol or tobacco products
Using your Healthy Start card wisely ensures you get the essential foods and vitamins needed for your and your family’s health.
What Foods and Vitamins Can You Get with Healthy Start?
The Healthy Start scheme provides essential nutrition for mothers and young children. Only specific foods and vitamins can be purchased using the digital card.
Eligible Items Include:
| Category | Examples |
| Milk | Whole, semi-skimmed, or skimmed cow’s milk |
| Fruit & Veg | Fresh, tinned (in water/juice), or frozen varieties |
| Infant Formula | First infant formula milk (not follow-on milk) |
| Pulses | Lentils, beans, and peas (dried or tinned) |
In addition to food, you can also access free Healthy Start vitamins, which include:
- Folic acid
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
By making the most of these approved foods and vitamins, you can support healthier growth and development for both you and your child.
When Should You Start Applying for Healthy Start During Pregnancy?
You should apply for Healthy Start vouchers as soon as you are more than 10 weeks pregnant. Early application ensures that you begin receiving support as soon as you’re eligible.
Delays can result in missing out on funds, as the scheme does not backdate payments. Applying during your first or second trimester is ideal to secure nutritional support throughout your pregnancy.
Remember to update your information after the birth to continue receiving benefits for your child up to age four.
Can Non-British Citizens Apply for Healthy Start Vouchers?
Yes, non-British citizens may still be eligible for Healthy Start if they meet specific criteria. If your child is a British citizen under four years old, you can apply even if you cannot access public funds due to your immigration status.
To qualify, you must:
- Have at least one British child under age four
- Earn £408 or less per month after tax
- Have no access to public funds due to immigration restrictions
Applicants must request an application form by emailing healthystartnrpf@nhsbsa.nhs.uk. Include proof such as your eVisa, expired BRP, or a Home Office letter stating your status regarding public funds.
What Happens If Your Application for Healthy Start Is Rejected?
If your Healthy Start application is unsuccessful, don’t panic. Several steps can help you resolve the issue and reapply.
Reasons for Rejection
Your application may be rejected due to incomplete information, failure to meet eligibility requirements, or mismatched personal details. Always double-check your data before submitting.
Reapplying After Rejection
If your circumstances change, such as becoming eligible for Universal Credit or having a new baby, you can reapply. Ensure that your application includes all required documents and updated personal details.
Who to Contact?
For support, call the helpline at 0300 330 7010. They can help you understand the reason for rejection and guide you through the next steps.
How Does Universal Credit Affect Your Eligibility for Healthy Start?
If you’re claiming Universal Credit, you may be eligible for Healthy Start vouchers provided your monthly household income is £408 or less after tax.
It’s important to update your Universal Credit account with your pregnancy status or your child’s birth to ensure continued eligibility. If your income rises above the threshold, you may stop receiving vouchers.
However, you can still receive payments for up to eight weeks after your last eligible assessment period. This buffer gives you time to plan your next steps or reapply if your income changes again.
Conclusion
The Healthy Start scheme is a vital resource for pregnant women and young families who need support with basic nutrition. By applying early and providing accurate information, you can ensure that you receive the help you deserve.
Whether you’re under 18, receiving benefits, or caring for a British child as a non-citizen, the scheme offers various routes to apply. Take advantage of this opportunity to promote a healthy pregnancy and give your child the best start in life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is money added to the Healthy Start card?
Funds are added to your Healthy Start card every four weeks and can be used as soon as they’re available.
Can I reapply for Healthy Start if I’m rejected?
Yes, you can reapply if your circumstances change or if you made a mistake during the initial application.
Is there a deadline for submitting the application?
There is no set deadline, but payments cannot be backdated, so it’s best to apply as soon as you’re eligible.
Can you get Healthy Start if you’re receiving ESA?
Yes, you may qualify if you’re receiving income-related ESA and meet the other criteria.
How do I replace a lost or damaged Healthy Start card?
Call the helpline at 0300 330 7010 to request a replacement card and follow their instructions.
Will Healthy Start affect my other benefits?
No, the money you receive through Healthy Start is not counted as income and will not affect other benefit entitlements.
What should I do if I haven’t received my card?
If your card hasn’t arrived within 10 working days, contact the Healthy Start helpline to check the status of your application.
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