Healthy Start
If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, the Healthy Start scheme can help you:
- buy healthy foods such as milk or fruit
- get free vitamins
You need to be claiming certain benefits to qualify.
If you’re under 18 and more than 10 weeks pregnant, you can claim even if you do not receive any benefits.
You can find out more information about the scheme on the NHS Healthy Start website.
How to apply
Apply for the Healthy Start scheme
If you live in Scotland you cannot get Healthy Start. You can apply to the Best Start Foods scheme instead.
If you’re not a British citizen but your child is
You might be eligible for the Healthy Start scheme if all the following are true:
- you have at least one British child under 4 years old - check if your child is a British citizen
- your family earns £408 or less per month after tax
- you cannot claim ‘public funds’ (for example, benefits) - either because of your immigration status or because you do not have an immigration status
You can check if you cannot claim public funds by viewing:
- your eVisa (online immigration status) - you can get a share code to prove your immigration status
- your expired biometric residence permit (BRP)
You might also have a letter from the Home Office that says whether you can claim public funds.
How to apply if you’re not a British citizen but your child is
You need to ask for an application form by email. Only use this email address if you think you cannot claim public funds because of your immigration status.
You can find more information about who can apply and how to apply in the Healthy Start extension: application guidance.