Before you start your claim for Healthy Start, make sure you have everything to hand. These are the main requirements and the step-by-step guide to claiming through the official channel.
Check eligibility on the official page →
Read the requirements and steps below first, so you can make your claim on the official page in one go.
Claiming is always free. Never pay anyone to make a claim for you.
Documents ready = faster claim
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📋 Requirements
- Pregnancy or young child: You must be more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4.
- Qualifying benefit: You usually need to get a qualifying benefit such as Universal Credit within the income limit.
- Residency: You must live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
- National Insurance number: You will need your National Insurance number.
🚀 How to claim, step by step
- Check eligibility on the Healthy Start website
- Apply online
- Receive and activate your Healthy Start card
- Use the card in shops; money is added every 4 weeks
Eligibility is checked by the NHS Business Services Authority.
Start your claim on the official page →
General information only. We are not part of the government. Claiming is free on the official page — you never need to pay anyone to claim.