What is Healthy Start
Healthy Start supports pregnant women and their families to eat well and get the vitamins they need for healthy development.
If you are 10 or more weeks pregnant or have children under 4 years, you may be able to get help to buy healthy food and milk.
If you are eligible, you will be sent a Healthy Start card with money added to it. The card is topped up automatically every 4 weeks and can be used in many shops across Birmingham.
What you get
You can get money added to your Healthy Start card and free vitamins.
You get:
- £4.25 each week during pregnancy, from 10 weeks
- £8.50 each week for children from birth to 1 year
- £4.25 each week for children aged 1 to 4 years
- Healthy Start vitamins
Where you can use your Healthy Start card
You can use your Healthy Start card in shops and markets that accept Mastercard and sell any of the following:
- plain liquid cow’s milk
- infant formula milk based on cow’s milk
- fresh, frozen or tinned fruit and vegetables
- fresh, dried and tinned pulses
You can also use your card to collect free vitamins:
- Healthy Start vitamins to support you during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- vitamin drops for babies and young children, suitable from birth to 4 years old
Who can get Healthy Start
You can get a Healthy Start card if you:
- get certain benefits, including Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit
- are at least 10 weeks pregnant
- have a child under four years old
- are under 18, pregnant and do not get any benefits
How to apply
You apply for Healthy Start through the NHS Healthy Start scheme.
You can apply:
- online through the Health Start website
- by phone or email, if you cannot apply online
When you apply, you will need to provide your:
- name and address
- date of birth
- National Insurance number
- baby's due date or your child's date of birth
If you need an interpreter, phone the Healthy Start helpline on 0300 330 7010 and select option 3.
You can email the Healthy Start team at healthy.start@nhsbsa.nhs.net.
If you have No Recourse to Public Funds, email Healthystartclaim@dhsc.gov.uk to request an application form.
If you do not have access to a computer or phone, you can get help to apply.
Ask your midwife, Health Visitor, children's centre staff or another organisation supporting you.
Visit the Healthy Start website.
Page last updated: 22 April 2026
