Families say they’ve been left struggling after continuing problems with the revamped Healthy Start food voucher scheme.
Parents used to be sent paper vouchers but anyone who applies now will be sent a physical card instead.
Those who were already on the old-style Healthy Start scheme had to apply for a card by March 31, 2022 - but some parents say they’re still waiting for theirs to arrive in the post.
On the NHS Healthy Start page, it states that your card should arrive in ten working days. It then must be activated before you can use it.
Other disgruntled families who have received their card say it isn't working, with families being turned away from supermarket checkouts.
Have you had trouble with Healthy Start vouchers? Let us know: mirror.money.saving@mirror.co.uk
The Mirror has previously reported how parents were seeing their cards rejected in stores due to IT failures.
The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) admitted in April that there had been a technical issue meaning applications were being declined.
About 52,000 families who previously used the scheme have not successfully signed up for the cards, according to official figures.
Frustrated mums and dads have vented their fury on the NHS Healthy Start Facebook page, reports The Sun.
“Keep trying to apply as I was on the paper vouchers and nothings changed,” said one mum.
“Can never speak to anyone, phone always hangs up, emailing them is no help as they say the same stuff.”
A second said: "I have been trying months. Calls and emails and get no where. Three months I’ve been going struggling now."
Another parent, waiting for her card to arrive in the post, wrote: “20 weeks on and still nothing....10 day pfffffttttt really? Joke of a service!”
Others said they can't get through to anyone from the Healthy Start scheme on the phone or by email.
A fourth commented “I have tried since January and still can’t use my card or speak to anyone. Have emailed and rang.”
And another said: “Cards always declined or don’t work been trying to get hold of some one for replacement card for three weeks no response.”
NHSBSA is advising anyone who thinks they might be owed a back-payment from Healthy Start to email healthy.start@nhsbsa.nhs.uk with proof of their entitlement.
Healthy Start vouchers do as their name suggests - they help with the costs of healthy foods such as fruit and vegetables.
Parents can also redeem them against milk, formula for babies and vitamins.
With the new digital version of the scheme, your card should be topped up automatically every four weeks.
Any money that you don't spend in the four weeks between payments will remain on the card and can be spent on eligible healthy items in the future.
You can check your balance at ATMs so you can see what money you have to spend - but you can't withdraw cash.
Jonathan Pauling, the chief executive of the Alexandra Rose Charity, told The Guardian : “No family should have to go without food. This is not just a cost of living crisis but a health crisis that could have a lifelong impact.
“It’s critical that the issues with the digitisation of the Healthy Start scheme are addressed as quickly as possible."
Who is eligible for Healthy Start vouchers?
Those that claim the following benefits could be entitled to the vouchers:
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Pension Credit (which includes the child addition)
Universal Credit (only if your family’s take-home pay is £408 or less per month from employment)
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (but only if you are over 10 weeks pregnant)
Working Tax Credit run-on (this is the Working Tax Credit you receive in the 4 weeks immediately after you have stopped working for 16 hours or more per week)
Or, if you’re under 18 and more than 10 weeks pregnant, you’ll get Healthy Start vouchers until your baby is born regardless of whether you claim benefits or not.
Families in Scotland aren't eligible for Healthy Start and must apply for help through Best Start Foods instead.
