Healthy Start and baby support
The old page claimed asylum seekers automatically get Healthy Start — that is wrong. There are three different routes depending on your status. Asylum seeker on Section 95 — get ASPEN top-ups through the Home Office. Family with NRPF — one email opens the ex-gratia scheme, which almost nobody knows about.
Three routes — find yours
What you get: pregnant women £4.65/week · child 1–4 years £4.65/week · child under 1 £9.30/week + milk, fruit, vegetables and vitamins
How to apply: healthystart.nhs.uk → or call: 0300 330 7010
Start: from 10 weeks of pregnancy
What you get: the same vouchers as standard Healthy Start
How to apply: email healthystartNRPF@nhsbsa.nhs.uk
Include: child's NHS number, proof of income, proof of NRPF status (BRP/eVisa with NRPF endorsement)
⚠ This scheme has existed since 2021, but almost nobody knows about it — only about 150 families.
What you get: top-ups on your ASPEN card — separate from standard Healthy Start
How to get it: through Migrant Help (0808 8010 503) — they request the top-up from the Home Office
Important: this is not Healthy Start — it is a separate Home Office top-up on your ASPEN card
Amounts — if you are an asylum seeker on Section 95
| Who | Per week | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnant women | £5.25 | Top-up to Section 95 rate |
| Child under 1 | £9.50 | Highest top-up |
| Child 1–3 years | £5.25 | — |
| One-off at birth | £300 | One time |
Standard Section 95 rate: £49.18/person/week. If you live in hotel accommodation with meals — about £9.95/week (meals included in accommodation) [verify: Home Office current rate]. Top-ups are added on top.
NHS Healthy Start amounts — from April 2026
First increase since 2021 (from 1 April 2026): £4.25 → £4.65/week; £8.50 → £9.30/week. Vouchers are accepted at most supermarkets and pharmacies to buy milk, fresh fruit, vegetables and NHS vitamins.
If you work — watch your income
The £408/month threshold is earned income after tax. If you as a refugee start working a bit more (say 10 hours a week) — you completely lose your Healthy Start entitlement. There is no taper — you either qualify or you don't. If you earn more than £408/month, check whether other UC entitlements are available (childcare element, LCWRA).
Frequently asked questions
Are asylum seekers entitled to Healthy Start?
NO — the standard scheme is not for asylum seekers. But there are separate ASPEN top-ups: pregnant women £5.25/week, child under 1 £9.50/week, 1–3 years £5.25/week, one-off £300 at birth.
What is NRPF Healthy Start?
A separate ex-gratia scheme for NRPF families with a British child under 4 and income ≤ £408/month. Email: healthystartNRPF@nhsbsa.nhs.uk. Since 2021 only ~150 families know about it.
How much are vouchers from April 2026?
Pregnant women (10+ wks): £4.65/week. Children 1–4 years: £4.65/week. Children under 1: £9.30/week. First increase since 2021.
What does the £408/month threshold mean?
Earned income after tax ≤ £408/month — that is about 7.7 hours of work per week. If you work more you lose entitlement completely.
Can I get Healthy Start while pregnant?
Standard route — from 10 weeks of pregnancy. ASPEN top-up — from the start of pregnancy if you have Section 95 support. NRPF route — at any stage of pregnancy if you have a British child or after birth.