NHS Healthy Start Payment Increase

The NHS Healthy Start card payments will increase from April 2026 to support families in accessing healthy food and milk. This aims to help cope with the rising cost of living and promotes healthy development and growth. 

• Eligible families are pregnant or have children under 4.
• Eligibility criteria includes being over 10 weeks pregnant or having a child under 4, alongside receiving certain benefits or a low income.
• Eligible families receive a prepaid card, topped up every four weeks, for purchasing healthy foods and milk.
• Families with babies under 1 year: £483.00 per year (up from £442.00).
• Pregnant women (10+ weeks) and families with children aged 1–4: £241.80 per year (up from £221.00).

Families can apply online at https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk or by phone at 0118 338 5810.