What you should know about Healthy Start Scheme
It’s really important for pregnant women and young children to have good nutrition, and the Healthy Start scheme helps low-income families to access healthier foods to support their children to get the best start in life. Amidst the cost-of-living crisis, the scheme is also a way for those eligible to maximise their income and use the support to make food more affordable for them.
Across Wigan Borough, latest NHS data shows that only 63% of those eligible for the scheme are taking it up. That means that 1,235 people are missing out on the vital support the scheme provides. We understand the importance of these vouchers to the wellbeing and children and families, so we’re here to give you all the information you need.
What is the Healthy Start Scheme?
The Healthy Start Scheme helps those who are 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4 to buy healthy food and milk. Last year, the scheme switched from vouchers to a prepaid card system, so now those eligible receive a card with money on it that can be used in registered retailers. The money is added to the card every 4 weeks and the current rate received is £4.25 each week of pregnancy from the 10th week or for children between 1 and 4 years old, and £8.50 for children from birth to 1 year old.
Who is eligible?
Those eligible for the scheme must be at least 10 weeks pregnant, or have a child under the age of 4.
Additionally, you must be receiving any of the following:
Child Tax Credit (with an income of or less than £16,190)
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Pension Credit
Universal Credit (with earnings of £408 or less per month from employment)
You are also eligible for Healthy Start if:
you’re under 18 and over 10 weeks pregnant - you don’t have to be claiming benefits
You claim income-related Employment and Support Allowance and are over 10 weeks pregnant
You or your partner receive Working Tax Credit run-on only
If you are not a British citizen but your child is, you are eligible for the scheme so long as:
You have at least 1 British child under 4 years old
Your family earns £408 or less per month after tax
You cannot claim ‘public funds’ either because of your immigration status or because you do not have an immigration status
What do they cover?
The vouchers can only be spent on:
Cow’s milk
Fresh, frozen and tinned fruit and vegetables
Infant formula milk
Fresh, dried and tinned pulses
Healthy start vitamins are also available and you will be sent a voucher every 8 weeks which you can swap for vitamins.
You can find more information about what you can buy with your vouchers on the NHS Healthy Start pages.
The vouchers can only be used at registered retailers, so look out for the Healthy Start sticker in the window!
How do I apply?
You can apply online today at the Healthy Start website. To apply, you will need your name, address, date of birth, National Insurance number, baby’s due date (if pregnant), and your benefit award letter if you are over 18. You should make sure your details with HMRC or DWP are up to date.
There are certain circumstances where you can apply by email or phone, such as if you’re at least 10 weeks pregnant, or have at least one child under 4 years old and receive certain benefits. Find out if you can apply via email or phone here.
If you need help or advice on Healthy Start vouchers, get in touch with our team today - call us free on 0808 2787 801, visit our website at cawb.org.uk, or email us at advice@cawb.org.uk.
