A new report has found that over seven million households are missing out on £24 billion in unclaimed benefits
Brits are being encouraged to check for any unclaimed benefits this summer. You might not be aware you’re eligible for additional financial support from the Government.
The latest findings from Policy in Practice reveal that over seven million households are losing out on £24 billion in unclaimed benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and Carer’s Allowance. Nevertheless, the report also showed the tide is turning, with more people claiming the financial assistance they’re entitled to.
Policy in Practice stated this year’s data demonstrates take-up is improving in certain areas, particularly for Pension Credit, though the overall situation remains ‘challenging’. Official statistics show take-up has increased from 63 per cent to 65 per cent.
As reported by the Daily Record, this could therefore be an ideal moment to spend a few minutes ensuring you, or someone you know, aren’t missing out on vital financial support which could enhance monthly income this summer.
The Policy in Practice report stated: “The system remains fragmented and too many people struggle to access the support they are eligible for. More than £24billion is still going unclaimed each year, and that does not include disability support such as Personal Independence Payment, or discretionary schemes like the new Crisis and Resilience Fund.”
The report found:
- 761,000 pensioners are missing out on Pension Credit
- 1,671,000 working age adults are missing out Universal Credit
- 553,000 are missing out on Carer’s Allowance
- 742,000 families are missing out on Child Benefit
Reacting to the report’s findings, Claire Atchia McMaster, Director of income and external affairs at Turn2us, commented: “At Turn2us, we hear from people every day who feel like they’re being locked out of a system that should be supporting them.
“This new research exposes the consequences of a complex social security system that demoralises people and treats them like children when they try to access support.
“It’s clear that for the government to meet its goals of a more effective and sustainable social security system, their reforms need to prioritise rebuilding trust in DWP. We have seen positive movement, with the government committing to prioritise lived experience as part of the Timms Review, but we need them to go further.
“We want to see the government move from a system grounded in suspicion and control, to one that treats people with dignity and respect.”
Check for unclaimed benefits
Many households could be due an income boost from unclaimed benefits or discounts on Council Tax and setting aside 15 minutes to use a free, confidential benefits calculator could ease the financial pressure this summer.
People on a low income could be entitled to a saving of up to £900 a year through the Council Tax Reduction scheme, which is only available north of the border. The latest figures from the Scottish Government show nearly half a million households (one in five) were eligible for a Council Tax Reduction in October – full details on how to claim can be found here.
Older people on a low income may be entitled to an income boost, worth on average £4,300, through Pension Credit. The latest figures from the DWP suggest 760,000 people are eligible for the means-tested benefit but not claiming it.
Some pensioners think because they have savings or own their home they would not be eligible for the means-tested benefit, however, an award of just £1 per week is enough to unlock other support.
How to check eligibility for Pension Credit
Older people, or friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK here.
Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234.
Expert help and advice is also available from:
More details about claiming Pension Credit can be found on GOV.UK here.
People under State Pension age with health conditions could be eligible for Adult Disability Payment or Personal Independence Payment (PIP). A successful claim could be worth between £30.30 and £194.60, some £121.20 and £778.40 every four-week pay period.
People over State Pension age with health conditions could be eligible for Pension Age Disability Payment or Attendance Allowance. A successful claim could be worth either £76.70 or £114.60 per week, some £306.80 or £458.40 every four-week pay period.
An online benefits calculator isn’t a magic wand to wave away money worries, but it can give you a fairly accurate estimate of how much you could be eligible to claim – but it’s up to you to actually make the application.
Who should check for unclaimed benefits or discounts?
There is a wide range of benefits and payments available you should check for.
You should check if:
- you are temporarily unable to work, including because of ill health
- you are of working age on a low income
- You are over State Pension age on a low income
- you have been made redundant
- you are looking for work
- you are raising a family
- you have a child who is disabled or has a health condition
- you are disabled or have a health condition
- you’re caring for someone
- you have lost a loved one
What is an online benefits calculator?
Online benefit calculators quickly work out if you are missing out on any benefits and best of all, they are completely free, independent and confidential to use – so there’s nothing to lose.
In just a few minutes you could find out how much you may be able to claim in extra support, just by entering details about yourself, your residential status, your working status and any savings you have.
You can use an independent benefits calculator to find out:
- What benefits you could get
- How to claim
- How your benefits will be affected if you start work
Where to find help
The benefits calculators below provide information on income-related benefits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit and how your benefits will be affected if you start work or change your working hours.
What you will need before you start
Gather the following information before you start and the whole process should just take about 10 minutes:
- Savings
- Income, including your partner’s
- Existing benefits and pensions – including anyone living with you
- Outgoings – such as rent, mortgage, childcare payments
- Your latest Council Tax bill
