Who is eligible for Healthy Start Scheme?

Available in: England, Wales, Northern Ireland. Open to individuals — not restricted to businesses. Relevant income bands: earning under the Personal Allowance.

What is the deadline for Healthy Start Scheme?

This is a rolling scheme with no fixed deadline.

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GrantEngland Wales Northern Ireland

Healthy Start Scheme

NHS Business Services Authority

Description

Prepaid NHS card scheme helping low-income pregnant women and families with children under 4 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland buy healthy food (milk, fruit, vegetables, pulses, infant formula) and free vitamins.

Amount

£4.65/week from the 10th week of pregnancy; £9.30/week for children under 1; £4.65/week for children aged 1–4 — 2026/27 rates, paid onto a prepaid card every 4 weeks

Deadline

Rolling / no fixed deadline

Eligibility summary

Available in: England, Wales, Northern Ireland.
Open to individuals — not restricted to businesses.
Relevant income bands: earning under the Personal Allowance.

Notes: Included here as an 'additional needs' adjacent scheme (maternal/infant nutrition support) rather than a disability-specific one — a judgement call given the product's broader 'additional needs' framing, not a strict disability entitlement. Scotland runs a separate, more generous devolved scheme, Best Start Foods — see the separate entry; don't apply this NHS scheme to Scottish residents.
Requirement: More than 10 weeks pregnant, or have a child under 4, and receive a qualifying means-tested benefit (or are under 18 and pregnant, regardless of benefits) with household earnings typically under £408/month after tax.

Want help with this application?

This one is usually simple enough to do yourself using the free official link below — but if you'd rather have help, we're building relationships with vetted professionals and can let you know if that becomes available.

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You can also do this yourself for free via the official source

How to apply

Apply online at healthystart.nhs.uk with details of your pregnancy/children and qualifying benefit; a prepaid NHS card is issued once approved.

View official source

Last verified: 19 August 2026. See the footer disclaimer — this is general information, not financial or tax advice.