Am I Entitled to Healthy Start Vouchers?

For expectant parents and those with young children, ensuring that your family receives proper nutrition and health support is essential. The Healthy Start scheme offers financial aid to help pregnant women, new mothers, and families on a low income access food, milk, and vitamins that promote good health during pregnancy and early childhood. However, many parents often wonder if they qualify for these vouchers, how much they will receive, and what steps are required to apply. In this article, we will guide you through the eligibility criteria, how to apply, and what to do if your circumstances change.

What is Healthy Start?

The Healthy Start scheme provides eligible families with a prepaid NHS Healthy Start card that can be used to purchase milk, fruit, vegetables, and infant formula. Additionally, those who qualify will also receive free Healthy Start vitamins, which are crucial during antenatal care to support both maternal and child health.

How Can I Apply?

To apply for Healthy Start, you must be pregnant or have parental responsibility for at least one child under the age of 4. You must also be receiving a qualifying benefit, such as Universal Credit, Income Support, or Child Tax Credit. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply online for the NHS Healthy Start card, which will be loaded with the value of your Healthy Start vouchers. To apply, simply visit the NHS Healthy Start website and fill out the application form with the necessary details. You will need your NHS number, National Insurance number, and details of the qualifying benefits you receive. Once your application is processed, you will receive a card that is automatically topped up every four weeks with the amount you are entitled to based on your family size. If you’re struggling with the application or unable to complete it online, you can also apply by calling the Healthy Start helpline at 0300 330 7010, where they will guide you through the process.

Qualifying Benefits:

To receive Healthy Start vouchers, you must be in receipt of one of the following benefits:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Child Tax Credit (with a family income of £16,190 or less per year)
• Universal Credit (with a household income of £408 or less per month) It is important to note that if you receive Working Tax Credit, you will not qualify for Healthy Start vouchers, unless you’re under 18 and pregnant.

How Much Will I Get for My Children?

If you qualify for Healthy Start vouchers, you will receive:

• £4.25 each week during your pregnancy (starting from the 10th week of pregnancy)
• £8.50 each week for children from birth until their first birthday
• £4.25 each week for children aged 1 to 4 years old Payments will stop after your child’s 4th birthday or if you no longer receive the qualifying benefits. Alongside the financial support, you will also receive Healthy Start vitamins, which include folic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin D, all essential during pregnancy care and for early childhood development.

I’m Under 18 and Not on Benefits – Do I Qualify?

Yes, if you’re under 18 and more than 10 weeks pregnant, you automatically qualify for Healthy Start vouchers, even if you are not on benefits. The scheme recognises the need to provide additional support for young mothers. You can apply for Healthy Start vouchers by calling 0300 330 7010 and providing the following information:

• Your baby’s due date
• A copy of your birth certificate
• Your NHS number
• Your National Insurance number After your baby is born, you will need to apply for Child Tax Credits or update your Universal Credit claim to continue receiving the vouchers. If you do not do this, your payments will stop four weeks after your baby’s due date.

I Get Working Tax Credit – Do I Qualify?

If you, your partner, or your carer receives Working Tax Credit, you do not qualify for Healthy Start vouchers, unless you’re under 18 and pregnant, or you are receiving Working Tax Credit run-on. The Working Tax Credit run-on is the payment you receive in the four weeks after you have stopped working for 16 hours or more per week. In this case, once your Working Tax Credit run-on ends, you will no longer qualify for Healthy Start vouchers unless your income changes and you begin receiving other qualifying benefits.

What If I’m Unable to Register My Child’s Birth?

Due to circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic or other personal situations, there may be delays in registering your child’s birth. If this is the case, it is essential that you speak to HMRC or the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to ensure your child is included in your benefit claim. This will ensure that your Healthy Start payments continue as normal. Additionally, if you’re receiving Universal Credit, you should contact the Healthy Start helpline at 0300 330 7010 to provide your baby’s name and date of birth. Failure to do this may result in your payments being stopped, and you would need to reapply for the vouchers.

Why are Healthy Start Vouchers Important?

Healthy Start vouchers offer crucial financial assistance to ensure that expectant mothers and young children have access to nutritious food and vitamins. This is especially important during antenatal care, as good nutrition supports a healthy pregnancy and reduces the risk of complications such as low birth weight, premature birth, and maternal anaemia. The vitamins provided through the Healthy Start programme, including folic acid and vitamin D, are essential for a developing baby’s health. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects, while vitamin D supports the development of healthy bones. Ensuring good nutrition and vitamin intake during pregnancy also contributes to maternal health, supporting mothers through a healthier pregnancy experience.

Additional Support During Pregnancy

Apart from the financial support provided through Healthy Start vouchers, there are other antenatal services and support programmes that can help you during your pregnancy. Consider signing up for antenatal classes to gain essential knowledge about labour, delivery, and caring for a newborn. You can find antenatal classes near me by contacting your local antenatal clinic or discussing options with your midwife during one of your antenatal appointments. Engaging in activities like antenatal yoga can also be beneficial. Yoga during pregnancy not only helps with relaxation but also improves posture, eases common pregnancy discomforts, and prepares the body for labour. Many expectant mothers also find antenatal massage helpful in relieving tension and promoting relaxation during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant or have young children and are on a low income, you may be entitled to Healthy Start vouchers. These vouchers can make a significant difference in ensuring your family has access to nutritious food and essential vitamins that contribute to a healthy pregnancy and early childhood development. By understanding the eligibility criteria and applying for the scheme, you can take an important step towards supporting your family’s health during these critical early years. Be sure to keep your benefit claims updated and explore other antenatal services that can support your journey into parenthood.