Healthy Start

If you get Universal Credit, you can apply online if:

  • you’re at least 10 weeks pregnant or have at least one child under 4 years old
  • your family’s monthly ‘take-home pay for this period’ is £408 or less from employment.

If you get Child Tax Credit, you can apply online if:

  • you have at least one child under 4 years old
  • your family’s annual income is £16,190 or less.

If you receive Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit, apply on the Healthy Start website.

You will need:

  • name
  • address
  • date of birth
  • National Insurance number
  • baby’s due date (if you’re pregnant)
  • benefit award letter if you’re over 18 (you must enter the same information that’s on this letter).

If you need help, contact your children’s centre. 

You can apply by email or phone if you’re at least 10 weeks pregnant, or have at least one child under 4 years old and get either:

  • Income Support
  • income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Pension Credit (which includes the child addition)
  • Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for 4 weeks if your working hours, or your partner or carer’s, go to less than 16 hours per week)

You can also apply by email or phone if you’re at least 10 weeks pregnant and either:

  • under 18 years old and not getting any benefits
  • getting Child Tax Credits and your family’s annual income is £16,190 or less
  • getting income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

To apply, email healthy.start@nhsbsa.nhs.uk or telephone 0300 330 7010. Phone lines are open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays).

If you need help, please contact your children’s centre.