Supporting families across Greater Manchester with Healthy Start

Thousands of young families across Greater Manchester are eligible for Healthy Start, which provides vital help towards the costs of buying milk and other essential groceries for your child. However it’s currently estimated that around £4 million in vouchers is going unclaimed across the region. Many parents and carers might not realise that they're eligible or may be unsure how to apply for Healthy Start.

At Citizens Advice Greater Manchester, we believe that every child in our region deserves the best possible in start in life. That’s we’re working in partnership with our 9 local services, region-wide partners and the GM Mayor to make sure as many families as possible take part and benefit from the Healthy Start scheme. This page contains everything you need to know about eligibility for the prepaid card/ vouchers, how to claim, as well as where you can use them.

If you need help with applying, understanding eligibility or further support, find out how you can get in touch with your local Citizens Advice to receive free, confidential advice.

What is Healthy Start?

If you’re pregnant or have children under the age of 4 you can get free vouchers or payments every 4 weeks to spend on:

• cow’s milk and/or infant formula milk

• fresh, frozen or tinned fruit and vegetables fresh, dried, and tinned pulses

You can also get free Healthy Start vitamins.

What is the eligibility criteria?

• You need to be at least 10 weeks pregnant.

• You need to have at least 1 child under 4 years old.

In addition, you must be receiving any of the following:

• Child Tax Credit (but only if your family’s annual income is £16,190 or less)

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• Income Support

• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

• Pension Credit

• Universal Credit (but only if your family earns £408 or less per month from employment)

Migrant Families

Thanks to a successful legal challenge over the eligibility criteria for Healthy Start vouchers, some of the poorest children from migrant families have become entitled. As a result of this crucial case, all children who were previously unable to benefit from the scheme because of their parents’ immigration status, will now be entitled to Healthy Start support.

How do I apply for Healthy Start?

To apply for the Healthy Start scheme, you can go through the Healthy Start website. You can download a paper application form, or you can request one from your GP or Midwife. Alternatively, you can request one from the Healthy Start helpline on 0345 607 6823. Find out about call charges.

Can I apply online?  

Yes, you can go through to the application page on the NHS website.

To apply, you will need:

• Name

• Address

• Date of Birth

• National Insurance number

• Baby’s due date (if pregnant)

• Benefits award letter if you’re over 18

If you are currently receiving paper vouchers for Healthy Start, these will stop once you complete the online application. If you still have Healthy Start vouchers, they can be used until their expiry date (found printed on the vouchers).

What you’ll receive

• £4.25 each week of your pregnancy from the 10th week

• £8.50 each week for children from birth to 1

• £4.25 each week for children between 1 and 4

The money will stop when your child is 4, or if you no longer receive benefits.

By the 31st March 2022, the Healthy Start Vouchers will be automatically replaced with a pre-paid card system. Make sure you are signed up for your pre-paid card by visiting the NHS Healthy Start webpage.

 Using your card

You’ll receive your card by post. It’ll come with your first payment on it and instructions on how to activate and use it.

Money will be automatically added to your card every 4 weeks.

You must keep your card if you’re still getting your benefit.

Find your pin

You need to know your pin before you use your card in a shop. When you call to activate your card, you can find out your pin.

You need your card, date of birth and 6 digit telephone access code. If you didn't give the NHS an email address or phone number, you will receive it in the post. The pin will be sent out 2 days after the card is sent out.

Checking your balance

You can check your balance at a cashpoint. You need your pin and cannot withdraw cash. You need your card, date of birth and 6 digit telephone access code.

Shopping with your card

You can use your Healthy Start card to buy healthy foods on their own or with other shopping. You cannot spend more than the balance of the card. If you want to make a contactless payment, the first time you use your card you’ll need to insert your card and use your PIN. After that, you can make contactless payments of up to £45.

You can use your card in most places that sell milk, infant formula, fruit, and vegetables. Places such as pharmacies, supermarkets and supermarkets, and off licences. To see where your card can be used, go through to the NHS Healthy Start page. To find a list of pharmacies across Greater Manchester where you can exchange Healthy Start vouchers for free vitamins, go through the Manchester City Council.

Using your vouchers

You can still use your paper vouchers, if they have not expired.

You’ll receive your Healthy Start vouchers by post every 4 weeks.

You’ll receive the vouchers for Healthy Start foods and Healthy Start vitamins together.

You’ll get Healthy Start food vouchers every 4 weeks, but receive a valid vitamins voucher every 8 weeks. 

Getting your vitamins

With your card

Your primary trust, health board or trust is responsible for making free Healthy Start vitamins available to you.

Ask your midwife or health visitor where to get them. You can also find who stocks Healthy Start vitamins in your local area on the NHS choices website.

To collect your free vitamins, you’ll have to show your Healthy Start card as proof of your entitlement.

If you need further help

More information can be found by visiting the NHS Healthy Start webpage. If you need further support, you can get in contact with your local Citizens Advice office for further support and advice. Visit our contact page for ways to get in touch with your local office.