A prepaid Mastercard card scheme helping pregnant women and low-income families with young children buy fresh, frozen, or canned fruit, vegetables, pulses, cow's milk, and infant formula.
Families & Children
£4.65 per week (pregnancy & children aged 1–4) | £9.30 per week (children under 1)
NHS Business Services Authority
Tick off each condition below. You'll usually need to meet all of them to qualify.
Apply online via the official NHS Healthy Start website.
Provide your National Insurance number, benefit details, and child birth dates.
Approved applicants receive a Healthy Start prepaid card in the post, which is automatically topped up every 4 weeks.
Healthy Start card funds do not reduce other benefits. Local councils and NHS trusts also offer free Healthy Start vitamin drops and tablets through local family hubs.
A prepaid payment card for pregnant women and families with young children in Scotland to help buy healthy food, eggs, milk, fruit, and vegetables.
View guide Families & ChildrenAn allowance paid to parents or guardians responsible for raising a child under 16 (or under 20 in approved education or training).
View guide Low Income & Working AgeThe main monthly payment for people of working age who are on a low income, out of work, or unable to work due to health conditions.
View guide