Healthy Start Vouchers Calculator 2026
Calculate Healthy Start vouchers. £4.25/week for pregnant women and families with children under 4 on qualifying benefits. Use for milk, fruit, veg, and infant formula.
Healthy Start Vouchers Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Healthy Start vouchers?
Healthy Start is an NHS scheme providing a prepaid card loaded with money to buy basic healthy foods. £4.25/week for qualifying pregnant women and families with children under 4.
Who qualifies for Healthy Start?
Pregnant women under 18 (no benefit needed), OR pregnant women 18+ on qualifying benefits, OR families with babies under 1 year or children aged 1-3 on qualifying benefits.
What benefits qualify for Healthy Start?
Universal Credit (any earnings element), Income Support, income-related JSA, income-related ESA, Child Tax Credit (income under £16,190/year), or Pension Credit.
What can I buy with Healthy Start?
Cow's milk (fresh, UHT or dried), fresh, frozen or tinned fruit and vegetables (plain, no added sugar/salt/fat), plain pulses (lentils, chickpeas, etc.), and infant formula milk.
How much do I get per week?
£4.25 per week per qualifying child or pregnancy. The card is loaded every 4 weeks (£17/month per qualifying person).
How do I apply?
Apply online at healthystart.nhs.uk, or call the helpline on 0345 607 6823. You need a midwife or healthcare professional to confirm pregnancy.
Is Healthy Start available in Scotland?
Scotland has a similar scheme called Best Start Foods, administered by Social Security Scotland. The payment amounts and application process differ slightly.
Does Healthy Start affect other benefits?
No — Healthy Start payments are not counted as income or capital for other benefit purposes.
Can I use Healthy Start for organic food?
Only if the organic product meets the eligible categories (plain fruit, veg, milk, infant formula). Check with your local supermarket.
What if I don't use all my balance?
Unused balance rolls over. However, if you miss 4 payments the card may be deactivated. Cash cannot be withdrawn from a Healthy Start card.
Do I need to reapply each year?
Your eligibility is reassessed periodically. When your child turns 4, you are no longer eligible. You'll receive a letter asking you to re-confirm if circumstances change.
Can I get Healthy Start on a zero-hours contract?
If you are on Universal Credit or working tax credit with income below the threshold, you may qualify — regardless of employment type. Check your benefit status.