New payment rates for Healthy Start

If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4 years old, you could get help to buy milk, fruit and vegetables from the NHS Healthy Start scheme.

The scheme aims to help pregnant women and families to cope with the rising cost of living and promotes healthy development and growth.

From April 2026, the payment rates will increase:

• From £4.25 to £4.65 each week of your pregnancy from the 10th week
• From £8.50 to £9.30 each week for children from birth to 1 year old
• From £4.25 to £4.65 each week for children between 1 and 4 years old

You do not need to do anything – the increase will be automatic.

For more information about the NHS Healthy Start scheme, please visit the NHS website:

NHS Healthy Start scheme rules – Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start)

You can apply for Healthy Start here:

Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start) - NHSBSA