Boost your summer income and cut costs by checking for unclaimed benefits or discounts
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed earlier this week that there are no plans to issue any more cost of living payments in 2025. Between 2022 and 2024, the DWP issued a series of one-off payments to help people cope with the cost of living crisis as energy bills and inflation soared to record-breaking levels.
Energy bills remain higher than they were prior to the pandemic and fluctuating inflation rates means people are still paying more for everyday food items, clothing and fuel.
However, many households could be due an income boost from unclaimed benefits or discounts on Council Tax and setting aside 10 minutes this weekend to use a free, confidential benefits calculator could ease the financial pressure going into summer.
People on a low income could be entitled to a saving of up to £850 a year through the Council Tax Reduction scheme, which is only available north of the border. The latest figures from the Scottish Government show 458,470 households (one in five) were eligible for a Council Tax Reduction in December, 2024 - full details on how to claim can be found here.
Older people on a low income may be entitled to an income boost, worth on average £4,300, through Pension Credit. The latest figures from the DWP suggest over 700,000 people are eligible for the means-tested benefit but not claiming it.
Some pensioners think because they have savings or own their home they would not be eligible for the means-tested benefit, however, an award of just £1 per week is enough to unlock other support.
How to check eligibility for Pension Credit
Older people, or friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK here.
Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234.
Expert help and advice is also available from:
More details about claiming Pension Credit can be fond on GOV.UK here.
People under State Pension age with health conditions could be eligible for Adult Disability Payment or Personal Independence Payment (PIP). A successful claim could be worth between £29.20 and £187.45, some £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period.
People over State Pension age with health conditions could be eligible for Pension Age Disability Payment or Attendance Allowance. A successful claim could be worth either £73.90 or £110.40 per week, some £295.60 or £441.60 every four-week pay period.
An online benefits calculator isn't a magic wand to wave away money worries, but it can give you a fairly accurate estimate of how much you could be eligible to claim - but it's up to you to actually make the application.
Who should check for unclaimed benefits or discounts?
There is a wide range of benefits and payments available you should check for.
You should check if:
you are temporarily unable to work, including because of ill health
you are of working age on a low income
You are over State Pension age on a low income
you have been made redundant
you are looking for work
you are raising a family
you have a child who is disabled or has a health condition
you are disabled or have a health condition
you're caring for someone
you have lost a loved one
What is an online benefits calculator?
Online benefit calculators quickly work out if you are missing out on any benefits and best of all, they are completely free, independent and confidential to use - so there's nothing to lose.
In just a few minutes you could find out how much you may be able to claim in extra support, just by entering details about yourself, your residential status, your working status and any savings you have.
You can use an independent benefits calculator to find out:
What benefits you could get
How to claim
How your benefits will be affected if you start work
Where to find help
Advice Direct Scotland
This online tool is the first to fully integrate devolved benefits including Scottish Child Payment and Adult or Child Disability Payment. It provides a free and impartial assessment of entitlement to a range of benefits such as Universal Credit, crisis grants and support payments. Find out more here.
The benefits calculators below provide information on income-related benefits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer's Allowance, Universal Credit and how your benefits will be affected if you start work or change your working hours.
What you will need before you start
Gather the following information before you start and the whole process should just take about 10 minutes:
Savings
Income, including your partner's
Existing benefits and pensions - including anyone living with you
Outgoings - such as rent, mortgage, childcare payments
Your latest Council Tax bill
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