Parents have been left struggling after ongoing problems with the new Healthy Start food voucher scheme. Families were previously sent paper vouchers but anyone who applies now will be sent a physical card instead.

The deadline for the new digital scheme was March 31, but some struggling parents are still waiting on the arrival of their card. The NHS Healthy start page states that your card should be delivered within 10 working days.

According to the Mirror, other frustrated families are reporting that their card isn't working. Some have even been turned away from supermarket checkouts.

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The NHS Business Services Authority admitted in April that there had been a technical issue meaning applications were being declined. Official figures suggest that around 52,000 families who previously used the scheme have not successfully signed up for the cards.

Disgruntled parents have taken to the NHS Healthy Start Facebook page to share their frustration. One mum said: “Keep trying to apply as I was on the paper vouchers and nothings changed.

“Can never speak to anyone, phone always hangs up, emailing them is no help as they say the same stuff.”

A second said: "I have been trying months. Calls and emails and get no where. Three months I’ve been going struggling now."

Another parent, waiting for her card to arrive in the post, wrote: “20 weeks on and still nothing....10 day pfffffttttt really? Joke of a service!”

Others said they can't get through to anyone from the Healthy Start scheme on the phone or by email. One commented: “I have tried since January and still can’t use my card or speak to anyone. Have emailed and rang.”

And another said: “Cards always declined or don’t work been trying to get hold of some one for replacement card for three weeks no response.”

Healthy Start vouchers help families with the costs of healthy foods such as fruit and vegetables. Parents can also redeem them against milk, formula for babies and vitamins.

Under the new digital scheme, your card should automatically be topped up every four weeks. You are able to check your balance at ATMs and any money you don't spend in the four weeks between payments will remain on the card.

Jonathan Pauling, the chief executive of the Alexandra Rose Charity, said: “No family should have to go without food. This is not just a cost of living crisis but a health crisis that could have a lifelong impact.

“It’s critical that the issues with the digitisation of the Healthy Start scheme are addressed as quickly as possible."

Who is eligible for Healthy Start vouchers?

Those that claim the following benefits could be entitled to the vouchers:

  • 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)
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (but only if you are over 10 weeks pregnant)
  • Working Tax Credit run-on (this is the Working Tax Credit you receive in the 4 weeks immediately after you have stopped working for 16 hours or more per week)

Or, if you’re under 18 and more than 10 weeks pregnant, you’ll get Healthy Start vouchers until your baby is born regardless of whether you claim benefits or not.

Families in Scotland aren't eligible for Healthy Start and must apply for help through Best Start Foods instead.