Nationwide Building Society has revealed that its innovative 'Better Off' eligibility checker has successfully identified a staggering £75 million in unclaimed benefits for UK households since its launch just seven months ago. This pioneering tool, developed in collaboration with social policy data experts Policy in Practice, represents a significant breakthrough in helping people access vital financial support they are legally entitled to receive.
A Dual-Access Solution for Modern Times
What makes Nationwide's calculator particularly noteworthy is its dual-access approach. As the first benefit eligibility checker to offer both online and telephone access, it ensures that everyone can use the service regardless of their digital literacy or preference. This inclusive design directly addresses research from the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute that highlighted how millions face obstacles when trying to verify their eligibility for additional financial assistance.
The calculator is available to all UK residents, not just Nationwide members, reflecting the building society's commitment to broader social responsibility. This development comes at a critical time when approximately £24 billion in benefits remains unclaimed across the country each year, representing a substantial gap between available support and household needs.
Substantial Financial Impact for Thousands
Since its introduction in June 2025, more than 18,000 individuals have completed calculations through the system. The results have been transformative for many households, with over 11,000 families discovering they could qualify for an average of £560 in additional monthly income. When projected annually, this amounts to £75.3 million in potential financial assistance that was previously going unclaimed.
Kathryn Townsend, Head of Customer Vulnerability for Nationwide, emphasized the importance of this initiative: "Millions of people across the UK are missing out on vital financial support they are entitled to - simply because the system is too complex to understand and access. That's why we're calling on the government to simplify the system, raise public awareness and help challenge the stigma that still prevents too many people from seeking the support they're owed."
Three Critical Barriers to Benefit Access
Nationwide, together with Policy in Practice, has identified three primary obstacles that prevent people from accessing benefits, which they believe require urgent government intervention:
- Awareness Gap: Many individuals simply don't realise they might be eligible for various benefits, despite meeting the criteria.
- Administrative Complexity: Navigating complex forms, understanding eligibility criteria, and managing multiple applications can be overwhelming and time-consuming for applicants.
- Persistent Stigma: Negative perceptions about claiming benefits continue to deter people, even though statistics show that 40 percent of benefit payments go to individuals who are employed.
Call for Systemic Reform
Nationwide is now urging the UK Government to implement reforms that would streamline access to unclaimed benefits. The building society argues that by removing these barriers, the social safety net can function as originally intended, ensuring that financial help reaches every household that needs it.
The 'Better Off' calculator simplifies what has traditionally been an intimidating and confusing process, providing clear guidance about potential entitlements without requiring users to navigate bureaucratic complexities themselves. This approach has proven particularly valuable for those who might otherwise avoid seeking support due to the perceived difficulty of the application process.
Townsend added: "By removing these barriers, we can ensure that vital financial help reaches every household that needs it and make the safety net work as it was intended. We encourage anyone to take a moment to explore what they may be entitled to, so they don't miss out on support that could make a meaningful difference."
As the cost of living continues to challenge households across the United Kingdom, tools like Nationwide's calculator provide a practical solution to help people access financial resources that could significantly improve their circumstances. The building society's initiative highlights how financial institutions can play a constructive role in addressing social challenges beyond traditional banking services.
