A new report from Policy in Practice reveals that over seven million households are missing out on £24 billion in unclaimed benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and Carer's Allowance. The findings have prompted calls for Brits to check their eligibility for financial support this summer.
Key Findings from the Report
The report highlights that 761,000 pensioners are missing out on Pension Credit, 1,671,000 working-age adults are not claiming Universal Credit, 553,000 are missing out on Carer's Allowance, and 742,000 families are not receiving Child Benefit. Despite these figures, the report notes that benefit take-up is improving in some areas, such as Pension Credit, with official statistics showing an increase from 63% to 65%.
Policy in Practice stated: "The system remains fragmented and too many people struggle to access the support they are eligible for. More than £24 billion 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."
Reactions from Advocacy Groups
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." She added that reforms need to prioritise rebuilding trust in the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
How to Check for Unclaimed Benefits
Many households could boost their income by claiming benefits or discounts on Council Tax. Using a free, confidential benefits calculator can help. For example, people on low incomes in Scotland may be eligible for a Council Tax Reduction worth up to £900 a year. Older people on low incomes could receive an average of £4,300 through Pension Credit, with 760,000 eligible but not claiming.
Pensioners can check eligibility via the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK or call the helpline at 0800 99 1234. Expert help is also available from Independent Age, Income Max, Citizens Advice, and Age UK.
Other Benefits to Consider
People under State Pension age with health conditions may qualify for Adult Disability Payment or Personal Independence Payment (PIP), worth between £30.30 and £194.60 per week. Those over State Pension age could claim Pension Age Disability Payment or Attendance Allowance, worth £76.70 or £114.60 per week.
An online benefits calculator can provide an estimate of potential entitlements, but claimants must submit the application themselves. The calculators from Turn2us, Entitledto, and Policy in Practice are free and confidential.
Who Should Check
Individuals should check if they are temporarily unable to work, on a low income, over State Pension age, made redundant, looking for work, raising a family, caring for someone, disabled, or have a disabled child. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires information on savings, income, existing benefits, and outgoings.
