Over 1,000 Suffolk families missing out on £1m in Healthy Start payments

Why it matters: The Healthy Start Scheme provides prepaid support for essentials including milk, fruit, vegetables and infant formula during pregnancy and a child's first four years.

The details: Each eligible family can receive around £1,000 over that period, with families with more than one young child potentially receiving several thousand pounds.

Suffolk has made significant progress on uptake, with the proportion of eligible families claiming the support rising from 50% in 2022 to 77% in 2024. But with more than 1,000 families still not claiming, an estimated £1 million over four years remains unclaimed across the county.

From April 2026, weekly payment rates have increased to:

• £4.65 per week for those who are more than 10 weeks pregnant
• £9.30 per week for children under one year old
• £4.65 per week for children aged one to four years

Payments are added to a prepaid Healthy Start card every four weeks and can be spent at supermarkets, convenience stores and market stalls.

What they're saying: Councillor June Mummery, cabinet member for coastal affairs, communities and public health, said: "I am pleased to see payments for the Healthy Start Scheme increase, giving families even more support during those crucial early years. However, we know there are still many eligible families in Suffolk who are missing out. We would strongly encourage anyone who thinks they might qualify to check and apply — this support can make a real difference to both family budgets and children's health."

Who qualifies: The scheme is open to those who are at least 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four, and who are receiving certain benefits such as Universal Credit, Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance. Pregnant under-18s may also qualify regardless of benefit status. Eligible families can also collect free Healthy Start vitamins from Suffolk Family Hubs.

What's next: Suffolk County Council is working with district and borough councils across the county to raise awareness of the scheme. Some eligible residents may be contacted directly by their local council.

To check eligibility and apply, visit www.healthystart.nhs.uk or call the Healthy Start helpline on 0345 607 6823, where translation services are also available.

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