Healthy Start Vouchers: Complete Guide
Healthy Start is a UK government scheme that helps pregnant women and families with young children on a low income afford fruit, vegetables, milk and vitamins. If money feels tight during pregnancy, it's well worth checking whether you're eligible — the application takes only a few minutes online.
What You Get
Healthy Start now works through a prepaid card rather than paper vouchers, though many people still call them "vouchers" out of habit. The card is topped up automatically every four weeks and can be used to buy:
- Fresh, frozen or tinned fruit and vegetables
- Fresh, dried or tinned pulses
- Milk (cow's milk and some plant-based alternatives)
- Infant formula milk
You're also entitled to free Healthy Start vitamins, which contain folic acid, vitamin C and vitamin D, and can usually be collected from a local pharmacy, children's centre or midwife appointment.
Who Qualifies
You may be eligible for Healthy Start if you're pregnant or have a child under four, and you or your family receive one of the following:
- Universal Credit (with a household income threshold that applies)
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Child Tax Credit (under certain income limits)
- Pension Credit
If you're pregnant and under 18, you can qualify for Healthy Start regardless of whether you receive any of the benefits above.
How to Apply
- Apply online at the official Healthy Start website (healthystart.nhs.uk) or by calling the Healthy Start helpline
- You'll need your National Insurance number and details of the benefit you receive
- If you're pregnant, your midwife can help confirm your due date on the application, which is needed to backdate your claim
- Processing typically takes a few weeks, so it's worth applying as soon as you think you're eligible rather than waiting
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Healthy Start vouchers while pregnant?
Yes, if you're pregnant and you or your household receive a qualifying benefit such as Universal Credit, Income Support or income-related ESA, you can apply. Pregnant women under 18 qualify automatically, even without being on a qualifying benefit. Apply online at healthystart.nhs.uk with your National Insurance number to hand.
How do I apply for Healthy Start vouchers?
Applications are made online through the official Healthy Start website, or by phone via the Healthy Start helpline if you'd rather not apply digitally. You'll need to confirm your pregnancy (your midwife can help with this), provide your National Insurance number, and give details of the qualifying benefit you receive. Applying early is helpful since backdating rules apply.
What can I buy with the Healthy Start card?
The prepaid card can be used for fresh, frozen or tinned fruit and vegetables, pulses, cow's milk and some plant-based milk alternatives, and infant formula. It cannot be used for other groceries, ready meals or non-food items. On top of the card, you're also entitled to free vitamins containing folic acid, vitamin C and vitamin D.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
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