We are running a survey to better understand how families in Dorset use the Healthy Start Scheme.

Healthy Start helps families who qualify access money to buy food, helping children grow and stay well.

Families who qualify receive a pre‑paid card that can be used to buy specific food items such as milk, vegetables and tinned pulses, along with vitamins for both children and breast-feeding mothers.

Please only complete the survey if you are eligible for the Healthy Start Scheme as explained below.

You are eligible if you are at least 10 weeks pregnant, under 18 and pregnant, or responsible for a child under 4, and either you or someone in your household receives a qualifying benefit. You are also eligible if you are under 18 and at least 10 weeks pregnant but do not claim any of the benefits listed below.

Qualifying benefits:

• Universal Credit (household take-home pay of £408/month or less)
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Pension Credit (with child addition)

You are also eligible if:

• Your partner receives one of the qualifying benefits
• You are dependent on someone who receives one of the qualifying benefits
• You are not able to access any benefits because of your immigration status, you have a British child under 4, and your household earnings are £408/month or less
• You are under 18 and at least 10 weeks pregnant but do not claim any of the benefits listed above.