If you are pregnant or have a child under four years old you could get Healthy Start vouchers to help buy some basic foods. This important means-tested scheme provides vouchers to spend with local retailers. Pregnant women and children over one and under four years old can get one £3.10 voucher per week. Children under one year old can get two £3.10 vouchers (£6.20) per week.
The vouchers can be spent on:
Healthy Start vitamins
Women and children getting Healthy Start food vouchers also get vitamin coupons to swap for free Healthy Start vitamins. Healthy Start vitamins are specifically designed for pregnant and breastfeeding women and growing children.
Do I qualify for Healthy Start?
You qualify for Healthy Start if you’re at least 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four years old and you or your family get:
You also qualify if you are under 18 and pregnant, even if you don’t get any of the above benefits.
From 1st November 2016 Universal Credit will be a qualifying benefit for Healthy Start. If you have been receiving discretionary payments because you are claiming Universal Credit, are pregnant or have a child under four years old, you will receive a letter explaining the changes and asking you to fill in an application form for the Healthy Start scheme. If you have any queries or need further information make sure you call the Healthy Start helpline on 0345 607 6823 or email on helpdesk@tiu.org.uk.
Applying for Healthy Start is easy – this is how you do it:
For more information see www.healthystart.nhs.uk