Could you be eligible for the Healthy Start scheme?
Raising a young family can be expensive, but there is support out there to help with the essentials. The NHS Healthy Start scheme is designed to help those who qualify afford healthy food, milk and baby vitamins.
If you’re pregnant or have a child under four, you could be entitled to free weekly payments on a prepaid card to use in shops and supermarkets.
At Northern Community Bank, we’re here to make sure you know what help is available and how to access it quickly and easily.
What Is the Healthy Start Scheme?
The Healthy Start scheme provides a prepaid card that’s topped up every 4 weeks with money to spend on:
- Plain fresh, frozen or tinned fruit and vegetables
- Fresh, dried or tinned pulses
- Cow’s milk
- Infant formula
- Healthy Start-branded vitamins for pregnant people and young children
You can use the card in any shop that accepts Mastercard and sells the eligible items.
Who Can Apply?
You may qualify if you’re at least 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, and you or your partner receive one of the following:
- Universal Credit (with income below a certain threshold)
- Child Tax Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Working Tax Credit (if you also get Child Tax Credit)
You can also apply if you’re under 18 and pregnant, even if you’re not claiming benefits.
Not sure if you’re eligible? It only takes a few minutes to check.
How Much Could You Get?
- £4.25 each week if you’re pregnant
- £8.50 each week for children under 1
- £4.25 each week for children aged 1–4
Payments are added to your card every 4 weeks. That could add up to over £200 a year per child to help you cover the basics.
How Do I Apply?
Applying is quick and easy. Just visit: www.healthystart.nhs.uk
You’ll need:
- Your name and address
- Your baby’s due date (if pregnant)
- Your National Insurance number
- Details of the benefit you receive
If you’re eligible, your card will arrive by post, and you can start using it straight away.
Need a Hand?
If you’re not sure whether you qualify, or you’d like support with applying online, we’re here to help. We can also signpost you to other financial support and services you might be entitled to.
At Northern Community Bank, we believe everyone deserves access to the essentials especially families with little ones.
You can always talk money with us.
