Families could be missing out on an average of £560 per month in unclaimed benefits, according to a free eligibility calculator launched by Nationwide Building Society. The tool, known as 'Better Off', has already helped 11,000 households uncover £75 million in potential support since its introduction in June 2025.
The calculator, developed in partnership with social policy experts Policy in Practice, is available to anyone, not just Nationwide customers. It can be accessed online or over the phone, making it the first such service offered by a financial institution to address digital exclusion. Nationwide reports that over 18,000 people have submitted calculations so far.
Kathryn Townsend, Head of Customer Vulnerability at Nationwide, said: '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.' She called on the government to simplify the system, raise awareness, and challenge the stigma that prevents people from seeking help.
The launch comes as research from the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute highlights barriers preventing millions from checking their entitlement. An estimated £24 billion in benefits goes unclaimed each year in the UK. Nationwide is urging the government to address three main barriers: lack of awareness, stigma, and complexity of the application process.
