How can I apply?
If you’re receiving a qualifying benefit and are pregnant or have parental responsibility for at least one child under the age of 4, you can apply online now for the NHS Healthy Start card (opens in a new tab).
How much will I get for my children?
- £4.25 each week of your pregnancy (from the 10th week of your pregnancy)
- £8.50 each week for children from birth to 1 year old
- £4.25 each week for children between 1 and 4 years old
Your money will stop after your child’s 4th birthday, or if you no longer receive benefits.
You can also get free Healthy Start vitamins.
I’m under 18 and not on benefits. Do I qualify?
If you’re under 18 and more than 10 weeks pregnant, you qualify for Healthy Start until your baby is born. You do not need to receive any of the qualifying benefits. To apply, you need to call us on 0300 330 7010 and provide:
- your baby’s due date
- a copy of your birth certificate
- your NHS number
- your National Insurance number
Find out about call charges (opens in a new tab).
After your baby is born, you will only continue to qualify for Healthy Start if you get the qualifying benefits. To make sure you continue to receive Healthy Start vouchers once your baby is born, you should:
- call us on 0300 330 7010
- inform Universal Credit by updating your online account
- make sure all of your children are named and verified on your Universal Credit claim
- reapply online and make a new claim
If you do not do this, your payment will stop 4 weeks after your baby’s due date.
I’m unable to register my child’s birth, will I still get my payment?
You should speak to DWP to make sure all of your children are named and verified on your Universal Credit claim so that your payment can be issued.
If you’re on Universal Credit you also need to phone us on 0300 330 7010 and tell us your baby’s name and date of birth. Without this, your payments may stop and you will need to reapply.