The Healthy Start scheme provides low-income families with a prepaid card to buy essential food and milk. In 2026, the paper "vouchers" are completely gone—everything is handled digitally.
1. 2026 Payment Rates
The amount of help you get depends on the age of your child:
| Circumstance | Weekly Payment (2026) |
|---|---|
| Pregnant (10+ weeks) | £4.25 |
| Child under 1 year old | £8.50 |
| Child aged 1 to 4 | £4.25 |
🚀 The Hustler's Strategy: The 'Back-Pay' Request
Did you know you can get money for the weeks you missed?
Keyword Strategy: If your Universal Credit was stopped or you only just discovered the scheme, you can request back-payments of up to **4 months**. You should email the Healthy Start team with proof of your UC award during those months. Strategic Move: Apply as soon as you reach the 10th week of pregnancy to maximize the £4.25/week payments before birth.
2. What Can You Buy?
The card is programmed to only work for specific items:
- Fresh, frozen or tinned fruit and vegetables: (Must NOT have added fat, salt, or sugar).
- Fresh, dried or tinned pulses: (Lentils, beans, peas).
- Plain cow's milk: (Must be pasteurized, whole, semi-skimmed, or skimmed).
- Infant formula: Based on cow's milk.
3. Free Vitamins
As part of the scheme, you are also entitled to **Free Healthy Start Vitamins**. These are available for pregnant women and children up to age 4. You usually collect them from local family centers or clinics using your card as proof of eligibility.
Healthy Start FAQs
Can I use it at any shop?
Most major supermarkets (Tesco, ASDA, Aldi, Lidl, etc.) and many convenience stores accept the card. It works just like a Mastercard debit card.
My child is 4. When does it stop?
The payments stop on the child's 4th birthday. You do not need to do anything; the card will simply stop being loaded with funds.
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Benefit Experts Editorial Team
Benefit Experts Team – Independent UK benefits guidance. We provide independent, authoritative guidance to help UK citizens navigate the complex benefits system with confidence.