Nationwide Building Society has shared details about how customers can potentially secure an extra payment into their bank accounts. Customers can get help in branch or online as a Nationwide support scheme expands.
Better Off Indicator tool success
Nationwide recently shared how it has had a lot of success with its Better Off Indicator tool. This support helps customers find out if they can claim any additional DWP benefits to increase their income, such as Universal Credit. Since the calculator tool launched in 2025, some 17,000 households have done the check, with the average user discovering they could get an extra £555 a month in support.
Range of support available
The savings giant said the tool will show you if you may be entitled to a "range of support". This includes Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and Council Tax Support.
Nationwide said that both customers and non-customers can access the Better Off Indicator either online. You can also check if you what you could potentially claim using the free telephone service, speaking to a specialist from Policy in Practice.
Expanded access to the tool
Support is also available in Nationwide branches to help people access the service. The building society recently expanded where the indicator tool is available to use. It was previously available through Nationwide channels, such as the app and website or over the phone. Now this has been stepped up so that the service is available through Virgin Money channels, including on the group's website and over the phone. Any person can use the indicator tool, regardless of whether you are a Nationwide or Virgin Money customer or not.
Kathryn Townsend, head of customer vulnerability at Nationwide, said: "Too many people are missing out on financial support simply because they don't realise they're eligible or find the system difficult to navigate. At a time when many households are struggling to make ends meet, even a relatively small increase in income can make a real difference."
"By making the Better Off Indicator available through multiple channels – online, by phone and in branch – we're helping remove barriers and making it easier for everyone to access the support they may be entitled to. Expanding the service to Virgin Money customers means even more people will be able to benefit from free, personalised support to understand what help is available."
It's definitely worth claiming any benefits you are entitled to as many of the payment rates go up each April in line with inflation. Many DWP benefits increased 3.8 per cent in April 2026, while the standard allowance for Universal Credit went up by an additional 2.3 per cent, lifting these payments by 6.2 per cent. The Government has committed to increasing the Universal Credit standard allowance by an above-inflation amount each year until 2030. You can use the Better Off Indicator tool on the Nationwide website or on the Virgin Money website.
