Hackney parents urged to claim Healthy Start funding

Almost half of parents in Hackney entitled to the Government’s Healthy Start vouchers are failing to claim.

The scheme gives families a pre-loaded debit card topped up with £4.25 per week for every child under the age of four and from week-10 of pregnancy. It’s open to families receiving Universal Credit and with a take-home less than £408 a month,  those receiving Child Tax Credit with a family income of £16,190 or less and anyone under 18 who is pregnant.

It amounts to more than £1,000 per child over the mother’s pregnancy and the child’s first four years.

Pat Fitzsimons, CEO of Hackney Foodbank, said: “Hackney parents are missing out on vital funding towards fruit, vegetables, milk and pulses.  The process of claiming Healthy Start vouchers is so quick and easy – for many of the families we support, this extra bit of money would really come in handy.  Week by week it might not seem a lot, but it adds up. I’d urge anyone who thinks they may be eligible to apply online.

“Healthy Start vouchers can’t be claimed retrospectively – so it’s crucial parents apply now to avoid missing out.  The money can be used to buy produce that helps with healthy child development. With so many festivals approaching this winter this is a great way to help family budgets.”

In Hackney just 55 per cent of those eligible for Healthy Start vouchers have claimed. An estimated 1,358 families who could apply, haven’t. It’s thought that amounts to an estimated £300,000 a year of Central Government unclaimed support.

Hackney Foodbank, Hackney Council and the NHS have joined forces to try to encourage more parents to sign up.

To apply for Healthy Start vouchers, residents need to head to the NHS HEALTHY START website with their National Insurance number, benefit award letter, name, address and date of birth. If you’re pregnant, you’ll need to know your baby’s due date.

 The scheme also offers free vitamins for mothers through pregnancy and breastfeeding and vitamin drops for babies and young children.

 To claim, visit www.healthystart.nhs.uk