NHS News & Analysis

NHS Health Start Scheme: £4.65 Weekly Payments to Families

Thousands of low-income families are missing out on NHS Health Start payments of £4.65 per week, available to families earning less than £400 weekly, including pregnant women and those with children under four years old. Take-up of the scheme is reported to be as low as 64% in some regions like the North East and Cumbria. Charities are calling for the scheme to be updated and for auto-enrollment to be implemented to ensure families receive these benefits. This is significant as it highlights the gap in financial support that could help alleviate food cost pressures for struggling families.