Healthy start vouchers: how much are they worth and are they going up in 2022?
HEALTHY start vouchers can help you cover the cost of fresh food and drink for your kids.
If you're on a low income, the scheme could be worth as much as £442 a year.
Here we explain how much you could get, who's eligible and how to claim the vouchers.
What are healthy start vouchers and how much are they worth?
The healthy start scheme is designed to help families cover the cost of healthy food for their kids.
Each healthy start voucher is currently worth £4.25 a week, and over a year that adds up to £221.
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It's worth double that if you have a child under the age of one as you'll be eligible for two vouchers each week, so it's up to £442.
There used to be paper vouchers, but that's just been replaced by a prepaid card, so you'll get the amounts added to that instead automatically every four weeks.
You can use the healthy start prepaid card at any location where Mastercard is accepted.
Previously the paper vouchers could be used at a wide variety of stores, but not all local shops, supermarkets or pharmacists for vitamins.
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As long as the shop accepts Mastercard, you can use the card at:
- supermarkets
- convenience stores
- grocery stores
- drug stores and pharmacies
- markets
- dairy products stores
- butcher shops
- petrol stations
You can't use the prepaid card for online shopping, or to withdraw the cash from an ATM, but you can check the balance at a cash machine.
You can use healthy start vouchers to buy a variety of items:
- cow’s milk
- fresh, frozen or tinned fruit and vegetables
- infant formula milk
- fresh, dried, and tinned pulses
And you can use the vouchers to get vitamins too.
Are healthy start vouchers going up in 2022?
Many benefit rates are rising in April, like Universal Credit and the State Pension.
Last year healthy start vouchers increased in value from April 1, giving mums and dads an extra £120 a year.
Unfortunately, despite the fact that grocery prices are increasing, there will not be a similar rise in April 2022.
Who's eligible for healthy start voucher?
You can get the help if you're more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under the age of four.
You'll need to be claiming one of the following benefits to qualify.
- Child Tax Credit and an annual income of less than £16,190
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit and income of £408 or less per month from employment
You'll also need to be in England, Wales or Northern Ireland - in Scotland there's a different scheme offering similar help called .
Anyone aged under 18 can get the help without claiming benefits.
How do I claim healthy start vouchers?
You can apply for the healthy start scheme .
You can also print out a paper form from the Heathy Start website or you can request one from your GP or midwife.
Alternatively, you can request one from the healthy start helpline on 0345 607 6823. To apply, you will need your:
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- name
- address
- date of birth
- National Insurance number
- baby’s due date (if you’re pregnant)
- benefit award letter if you’re over 18
Once you've applied online, you should receive your card within five to 10 working days.
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