Healthy Start Scheme
Support to buy healthy food, milk, and vitamins for your family.
Financial Support
Last updated: 5 September 2026
What it is about
The NHS Healthy Start scheme helps eligible families afford healthy food and milk. If you qualify, you will receive a prepaid card to spend in shops.
What is involved
To qualify, you must be receiving certain qualifying benefits.
Note: We don't model your income or benefits in myBabySteps, so please check the exact thresholds directly on the Healthy Start website.
Timeframes
You can apply once you are more than 10 weeks pregnant.
The support runs until your child turns 4 years old.
What you benefit from
You get a prepaid card to buy healthy food, milk, and free vitamins. The card is topped up automatically every 4 weeks.