Imagine buying milk, fruits, and baby formula every week without having to touch your wallet.
With the Healthy Start scheme, this is possible — and it’s already helping thousands of families across the UK.
Let’s break down exactly how it works and what you need to know before applying.
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🎁 What You Can Buy
The card is accepted in most supermarkets and covers essentials like:
- 🥛 Whole, semi-skimmed or skimmed milk
- 🍎 Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen or canned)
- 🍼 Infant formula for babies
- 🥫 Pulses like lentils, beans and chickpeas
- 💊 Free vitamins for you and your child
You can choose what to buy, as long as it fits the program’s healthy food list.
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💷 How Much You Get
The benefit amount depends on your situation:
- £4.25 per week for each child under 4
- £8.50 per week if you’re pregnant or have a baby under 1
- The money is added automatically every 4 weeks
There’s no limit to how long you can receive it — as long as you remain eligible.
🛒 Where Can You Use the Card?
The Healthy Start card works like a debit card and is accepted at:
- Tesco
- ASDA
- Aldi
- Lidl
- Co-op
- Iceland
- And many local shops
Just tap the card at checkout — no need to explain anything or sign up again in-store.
📝 How to Apply (Step by Step)
Applying is easy and free. You’ll need your:
- Full name and address
- Date of birth
- National Insurance number
Once approved, the card is sent directly to your home by post.
📌 Who Can Apply?
You may qualify if:
- You’re pregnant
- You have a child under 4
- You receive Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, Income Support or similar benefits
Even if you’re not sure, it’s worth checking — many families miss out simply because they didn’t know.
💡 Final Tip
You don’t need to be a British citizen to apply — just meet the residency and benefit criteria.
And the sooner you apply, the sooner your card arrives.