Budgeting expert Leila Echchik recently shared that new parents, or those who are pregnant or have a child under four, could be eligible for a cash boost to ease the rising costs of food.
She provided important details about the Healthy Start scheme, a government initiative designed to support families facing food expenses. This scheme offers up to £442 annually, which can be used for essentials like baby food, formula, and fresh produce.
According to Devon Live, the scheme ensures that parents can access vital nutrients and healthy foods during pregnancy and early childhood, providing much-needed financial relief.
Understanding the Healthy Start Scheme
The Healthy Start scheme provides free financial assistance to pregnant women and families with children under four. As Leila Echchik revealed in a TikTok video, eligible individuals can receive up to £442 annually through the scheme, which is entirely free.
The financial support comes in weekly installments that vary depending on the stage of pregnancy and the age of the child:
- £4.25 per week for each week of pregnancy starting from the 10th week.
- £8.50 per week after the birth of the child for the first year.
- After the child turns one year old, the payment returns to £4.25 per week until the child turns four years old. Payments stop when the child turns four.
The prepaid card can be used for purchasing milk, formula, baby food, and other fresh or frozen food at stores displaying the Mastercard® symbol.
Additional Benefits
In addition to helping with food costs, the Healthy Start card can also be used to collect Healthy Start vitamins. These vitamins are designed for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, while vitamin drops are available for babies and young children, from birth to four years old.
Eligibility for the Scheme
To qualify for the Healthy Start scheme, parents must meet specific criteria. Those who are pregnant or have a child under four can apply, provided they are receiving certain benefits such as Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Pension Credit (including the child addition).
Additionally, Leila Echchik clarifies that if you are more than 10 weeks pregnant and :
- Under 18 years old and not receiving any benefits,
- Receiving Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA),
you can also apply for the scheme by email or phone.
For working parents, Leila Echchik mentioned that to be eligible, the take-home pay must be less than £400 a month.
Leila Echchik also provided guidance on how to apply for the scheme.
You can apply online, just type in healthy start vouchers apply – she stated.
She emphasised that many people are unaware of the program and fail to claim the financial support they are entitled to.
Thousands of people don’t know this exists or that they actually qualify for this, so it goes unclaimed – she explained.
We all know with the rising cost of living, formula and healthy food in general is out of control, so even this little bit should help people.
Types of Stores Accepting the Healthy Start Card
The card can be used in various locations, including:
- Supermarkets
- Convenience stores
- Grocery stores
- Drug stores and pharmacies
- Markets
- Dairy product stores
- News dealers and newsstands
- Butcher shops and meat provisioners
- Petrol stations
The stores must display a Mastercard® symbol, and if you’re unsure, you can always ask an employee inside the store if they accept Mastercard. If you attempt to spend the money anywhere else, such as at fast food restaurants, the card will be declined.
Budgeting carefully can help ensure that the funds are spent wisely, making the most of the support provided by the Healthy Start scheme.
