Millions are missing out on unclaimed Universal Credit cash – could you get up to £7,537?

The Sun

3 days ago

MILLIONS are missing out on unclaimed Universal Credit cash.
Struggling families missed out on a collective £9.6billion in Universal Credit over the past 12 months, according to charity Turn2Us.
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The benefit supports those on a low income or out of work and is worth up to £628.10 a month, if you are aged over 25 and live with a partner.
That could work out as £7,537 a year.
A further £588million in Carers Allowance went unclaimed by nearly 185,000 carers.
This benefit is worth £83.30 a week, if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits.
Meanwhile, a further £636million in New-Style Jobseeker's Allowance was missed by 135,000 people.
You can claim this benefit for six months while you look for a job and it is worth £92.05 if you are 25 or over.
Turn2Us said that many families are unaware of the support because it is hard to find.
Anna Stevenson, benefits Expert at Turn2us, said: 'Our data shows that there is support available for many, but all too often it's difficult to find. The Turn2us Benefits Calculator cuts through the confusion.
"It's fast, free and completely anonymous. Just a few minutes could help you uncover extra cash you didn't even know you could claim."
"We know it's tough right now, especially with back-to-school costs stacking up and household bills climbing; don't wait until things get harder - check now and ease the pressure on your family'.
Disability benefit explained - what you can claim
If you want to try out the calculator you can try it out here, /benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/.
We've explained how to apply for extra support below.
Universal Credit
You could be missing out on up to £7,537 a year
This benefit is designed to support those on a low income or out of work.
How much you get depends on your age and if you live with a partner.
For example, those who are single and under 25 can receive up to £316.98 a month.
This rises to £400.14 a month once you are aged 25 or above.
Meanwhile, if you live with a partner and are both aged under 26 you will receive £497.55 a month.
This rises to £628.10 a month when one or both of you are aged over 25, the highest payment given by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
If you have a disability, there are also extra top ups you can claim to help and if you rent you may also get extra support.
You can apply by visiting gov.uk/universal-credit/how-to-claim.
Carers Allowance
You could be missing out on £4,331.60 a year
This benefit is worth £83.30 a week and can top up your income by £4,331.60 a year.
To qualify for the allowance you must spend at least 35 hours a week looking after the vulnerable person.
You must also not earn more than £196 a week after tax.
If your earnings go over this amount you must contact the DWP as you will be asked to pay any overpaid benefits back.
To apply for the support you need your National Insurance number, bank details, employment details and latest payslip if you're working.
You will need the details of the person you are caring for.
You can apply by visiting, gov.uk/carers-allowance/how-to-claim.
New-Style Jobseeker's Allowance
You can claim up to £2393.30 over six months
This benefit provides extra cash to support your living costs while you look for a job.
You can claim it for up to six months while you search for work of if you are employed for less than 16 hours a week.
That maximum amount you can earn is £92.05 a week if you are aged 25 or over.
You can not claim this benefit if you are a student or in full-time education.
To apply you will need:
National Insurance number
Bank or building society account details (or those of a family member or trusted friend)
Employment details for the past 6 months, including employer contact details and dates you worked with them
You can apply by visiting, apply-for-new-style-jsa.dwp.gov.uk.
Are you missing out on benefits?
YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to
Charity Turn2Us' benefits calculator works out what you could get.
Entitledto's free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit.
MoneySavingExpert.com and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto's data.
You can use Policy in Practice's calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you'll have left over each month after paying for housing costs.
Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for.