How to get free milk, fruit and veg from major supermarkets including Tesco and Asda

PARENTS can get free milk and veg from supermarkets including Tesco and Asda.

The handy boost comes through a scheme which is run by the NHS.

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The Healthy Start scheme is open to anyone who is more than 10 weeks pregnant or has a child under four, and it entitles you to healthy food and milk.

However, it is not open to everyone and you only qualify if you’re on certain benefits such as Universal Credit, Child Tax Credits or Income Support.

It is definitely worth finding out if you are eligible to claim as it can be worth up to £442 a year.

Previously Healthy Start used to be issued via paper vouchers, but those eligible now receive a prepaid card.

We explain everything you need to know about the Healthy Start scheme.

Who is eligible?

To receive the Healthy Start card, you must be on one of the following benefits:

• Child Tax Credit (only if your family’s annual income is £16,190 or less)
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Pension Credit (which includes the child addition)
• Universal Credit (only if your family’s take-home pay is £408 or less per month from employment)

You will also be eligible for Healthy Start if:

• you’re under 18 and pregnant, even if you are not claiming any benefits
• you claim income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and are over 10 weeks pregnant
• you, your partner or your carer get Working Tax Credit run-on only after you have reported you’re working 16 hours or less per week

How do I apply?

You can apply online by visiting the NHS Healthy Start website.

If you are unable to apply online, or you need help applying, you can contact NHS Healthy Start on 0300 330 7010 or by emailing [email protected]

To apply, you will need your:

• name
• address
• date of birth
• National Insurance number
• baby’s due date (if you’re pregnant)
• benefit award letter if you’re over 18

If you already receive the vouchers, you need to sign up for the prepaid card system.

How much will I get?

You’ll get £4.25 each week of your pregnancy from the 10th week, £8.50 each week for children from birth to one, and £4.25 each week for children between one and four.

That’s as much as £442 worth of free food over the year for each child.

Your money will stop when your child is four, or if you no longer receive benefits.

How do I access the cash?

Healthy Start money is issued on a prepaid card that you can use in most places where food is sold, including supermarkets such as Tesco Aldi and Iceland.

You can also swipe it at a number of convenience stores, pharmacies, markets, butchers shops and petrol stations.

If you’re eligible, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card which is topped up every four weeks.

You can then swipe it at the tills to get money off your shop.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk