Healthy Start Scheme payments increasing from April 2026
Families in Islington who receive support through the Healthy Start Scheme will see an increase in payments from April 2026.
The government has announced a rise in the value of Healthy Start payments to help families access healthy food, milk and vitamins during pregnancy and early childhood.
What is the Healthy Start Scheme?
The Healthy Start Scheme, run by the National Health Service, supports eligible families who are pregnant or have young children to buy essential healthy foods.
Families may qualify if they:
- Are more than 10 weeks pregnant, or
- Have a child under 4 years old, and
- Receive certain benefits or have a low income
If eligible, families receive a prepaid card that is topped up every four weeks. The card can be used in many UK shops to buy:
- Fresh, frozen or tinned fruit and vegetables
- Plain cow’s milk
- Infant formula milk
- Pulses (such as beans and lentils)
- Healthy Start vitamins
New payment amounts from April 2026
Payments will increase as follows:
Families with babies under 1 year old
- New amount: £483.00 per year
- Current amount: £442.00 per year
Pregnant women (10+ weeks) and families with children aged 1–4
- New amount: £241.80 per year
- Current amount: £221.00 per year
These increases aim to help families manage the rising cost of food while supporting healthy growth and development.
How to apply
Families can check eligibility and apply online via the Healthy Start website. Support is also available by phone on 0118 338 5810.
Local children’s centres can help families complete applications and answer questions about the scheme.
Free Healthy Start vitamins in Islington
All residents of Islington can access free Healthy Start vitamins if they are:
- Pregnant or trying to conceive
- Have recently had a baby
- Have a child under 4 years old
These vitamins help support:
- Healthy bones, teeth and muscles
- Immune system development
- Eyesight and overall growth
Vitamins are available from local children’s centres, some health centres, or via a Health Visitor. Check local service information to find your nearest collection point.