Payment levels for the scheme have recently increased, putting more money into the hands of those who need it most as well as providing access to healthy food, milk and vitamins.
Despite strong progress locally, with uptake in Suffolk rising from 50% in 2022 to 77% in 2024, over 1,000 eligible families in the county are still not claiming the support available to them. This means an estimated £1 million over four years is currently going unclaimed.
Councillor June Mummery, Cabinet Member for 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.”
From April 2026, weekly payments have risen 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
The payments are added to a prepaid Healthy Start card every four weeks and can be spent in a wide range of shops, including supermarkets, convenience stores and market stalls.
Each eligible family can receive around £1,000 over the first four years of a child’s life, helping to cover the cost of essentials such as milk, fruit, vegetables, pulses and infant formula. For families with more than one young child, the support available could amount to several thousand pounds over time. The scheme also provides access to free vitamins to support healthy development.
Suffolk County Council is working alongside district and borough councils across Suffolk to raise awareness of the scheme locally and help ensure eligible families access the support available to them. Some eligible residents may be contacted by their local council with information about support to help them apply.
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. Some groups, including pregnant under-18s, may also qualify regardless of benefits.
Eligible families can also collect free Healthy Start vitamins from Suffolk Family Hubs, and additional support is available for some families who are not eligible for public funds.
Residents can quickly check their eligibility and apply online at www.healthystart.nhs.uk, or call the Healthy Start helpline on 0345 607 6823 for support, including translation services.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Information about how to get in touch with each local council:
East Suffolk Council: The Community Help Hub at East Suffolk Council provides help with money and accessing services. For further information or support around the Healthy Start scheme, benefits, budgeting or other money issues, please contact Joanne Allington at helpwithmoney@eastsuffolk.gov.uk or call 01394 444762 or visit www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/LIFT
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils: The councils’ Cost of Living team use data and local insight to proactively identify households that may need assistance and work with partners to design targeted campaigns. Find out more:
www.babergh.gov.uk/supporting-residents-financial-wellbeing
www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/supporting-residents-financial-wellbeing
West Suffolk Council: The Financial Inclusion Service at West Suffolk Council help with money and accessing services. Please contact Frances or Liz by phone 01284 757660 or email financial.inclusion@westsuffolk.gov.uk. More information can be found on the council’s website https://www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/cost-of-living
Ipswich Borough Council: www.ipswich.gov.uk Phone: 01473 432000 Benefits and support information: www.ipswich.gov.uk/benefits-and-support-services
