About your card

You’ll receive your card by post. It should come within 5 to 10 working days. If we’re getting a high volume of applications, it may take longer than this.

The card will come with your first payment on it and instructions on how to activate and use it.

Money will be automatically added to your card every 4 weeks.

You can call 0300 330 2090 to:

  • activate your card
  • get your PIN
  • check your balance
  • report your card as lost, damaged or stolen

This phone line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can also find out more about:

Activating your card and finding out your PIN

Before you use your card for the first time, call 0300 330 2090 with your:

  • card
  • date of birth
  • client ID (located at the top of the letter that comes with your card)

If you did not give us an email address or a phone number when you apply, we’ll post your PIN out 2 days after we send your card.

Getting a reminder of your PIN or checking your balance

Call 0300 330 2090 with your:

  • card
  • date of birth
  • 6-digit telephone access code

You’ll get to choose your telephone access code when you activate your card.

You can also check your balance at a cashpoint using your PIN.

Reporting your card as lost, damaged or stolen

Call 0300 330 2090 with your:

  • date of birth
  • client ID (located at the top of the letter that comes with your card)

Any transactions made before you report the card as lost or stolen will get charged to your account.

Turning off contactless payments

If you do not want your Healthy Start card to be contactless, email healthy.start@nhsbsa.nhs.uk or call 0300 330 7010. You will only be able to use your card with your PIN.

A child with knife and fork in hand about to eat a plate of vegetables

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions that people may have about the Healthy Start scheme