Thousands of people all across the country may be missing out on some vital help that could help pay for food.
The NHS Healthy Start scheme is available for anyone who is either pregnant, have a child under the age of four, or is on a low income. The NHS delivers the money via a prepaid card which can provide between £4.25 and £8.50 a week - equating to between £17 and £34 a month.
However, there are limits on what the card can be spent on during your grocery shop. The money can only be used on fruit, vegetables, dairy milk infant formula, and vitamins.
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If you have applied for the card and been accepted, then it will be sent out to you in the post. Once you receive it, it will be topped up with cash every four weeks.
Who is eligible for a Healthy Start Card?
In order to be considered for eligibility for a Healthy Start Card, parents must either be claiming Universal Credit or receiving Child Tax Credit. Depending on which of the two you claim, your eligibility will differ.
Universal Credit claimants
According to the NHS, if you claim Universal Credit, you may be eligible if you meet one of the following:
- You're either at least 10 weeks pregnant or have at least one child under the age of four
- Your family's monthly 'take-home pay for this period' is £408 or less from employment
Child Tax Credit claimants
If you receive Child Tax Credit, you may be eligible if:
- You have at least one child under the age of four
- Your family's annual income is £16,190 or less
Other benefits and circumstances
You can also apply by email or phone if you're at least 10 weeks pregnant or have one child under four years old and receive one of the following:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Pension Credit (Which includes the child addition)
- Working Tax Credit run-on
Furthermore, you can apply by email or phone if you're at least 10 weeks pregnant and are either:
- Under 18 years old and not receiving any benefits
- Receive income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
If you're not a British citizen but your child is
Depending on your immigration status, you may also be eligible for the Healthy Start Scheme. You can receive a Healthy Start Card if you meet all of the following criteria:
- You have at least one British child under the age of four
- Your family earns £408 or less a month after tax
- You cannot claim 'public funds' such as benefits because of your immigration status.
How to apply for a Healthy Start Card
There are a variety of ways to apply for a Healthy Start Card and the application process should be accessible for the majority of parents. Before you start applying you should have on hand some personal details, including your name, address, date of birth, National Insurance Number, baby's due date if you're pregnant, and a benefit award letter if you're over the age of 18.
One of the easiest ways to apply is by filling in an online form via the NHS website. However, if you would prefer to do it a different way, you can apply via email or phone.
In order to start the application process you should email healthy.start@nhsbsa.nhs.uk notifying them that you believe you are eligible for a Healthy Start Card or dial 0300 330 7010.
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