Healthy Start food vouchers are increasing to £4.25

Following an announcement by the government, from April 2021, the value of the Healthy Start food vouchers will increase from £3.10 to £4.25.

When will beneficiaries start to receive the £4.25 vouchers?

From April 2021, beneficiaries will receive their increased value vouchers.

Will beneficiaries still get two vouchers for children aged under one?

Yes, the number of vouchers received per child or pregnancy has not changed.

Pregnant women receive one voucher each week (£4.25)

Babies under one year old get two vouchers each week (£8.50 in total)

Children aged from one to four years get one voucher a week (£4.25).

Are there any changes in the food that can be purchased?

No. However, as of 1 October 2020, tinned fruit and vegetables and fresh, dried or tinned pulses that are free from added fat, salt, sugar or flavourings were added to the eligible items able to be purchased with the Healthy Start vouchers.

Will beneficiaries still get a vitamins voucher?

Yes, the way vitamins are claimed has not changed.

What will happen when beneficiaries move onto a payment card? Will they get £4.25 on the card?

Those who move over to a payment card will also receive the increased amount of £4.25. The increased payments to cards will start at the same time as the paper vouchers are distributed.

If beneficiaries are taking part in the Healthy Start beta and have a payment card, will they also receive £4.25?

Yes, they will also receive the increased amount of £4.25. The increased payments will start at the same time as the paper vouchers are distributed.

Can beneficiaries use the older £3.10 and new £4.25 vouchers at the same time?

Yes, if their £3.10 voucher(s) is still valid they can use both together.

Promotional materials

If you wish to promote the NHS Healthy Start voucher value increase, you can download materials here.

If you have any queries regarding any of the promotional materials please contact nhsbsa.healthystartdigital@nhs.net

Paper copies of the application form can be ordered online so these can be handed out to families.