Parents and families urged to check right now if they can get unclaimed benefits
Millions of UK households are failing to claim billions of pounds in financial support, according to new data from a national anti-poverty charity.
Analysis of more than 1.5 million users of the charity's free online Benefits Calculator shows that 60 per cent of people discovered over the past year they were eligible for benefits they were no claiming.
Turn2us discovered that £9.6 billion in Universal Credit remains unclaimed whilst 185,000 unpaid carers were not claiming £538 million in Carer's Allowance they were entitled to. An additional £636 million in New-Style Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) went unclaimed by over 135,000 people. It comes as DWP confirms a new Winter Fuel Payment deadline with pensioners urged to act now.
Turn2us is now calling on single parents, carers, and working families to verify their benefit entitlement using its free and anonymous online tool.
Commenting on the findings, 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".
Single mum-of-three, Esther, has hailed the Turn2us Benefits Calculator as "a true lifesaver" for her family. She shared: "As a single parent to three boys, two with complex needs, I was juggling multiple jobs but still couldn't make ends meet. Within minutes, the Turn2us Benefits Calculator uncovered support I didn't know existed.
"It wasn't just money, it gave my family hope, dignity, and the basics my children need. I tell everyone: you never know who might need that lifeline."
Since 2013, the charity's Benefit Calculator has been a beacon of support for millions across the UK, helping them navigate the social security system. It provides a swift, confidential and jargon-free method to discover the benefits you may be entitled to, reports the Daily Record
What is an online benefits calculator?
These online tools calculate if you're missing out on any benefits. They are free, independent and confidential to use. In a few moments, you can see if there is extra support you may be able to claim by entering details about yourself, your residential status, your working status and any savings you have.
An independent benefits calculator can help you find out:
What benefits you could get
How to claim
How your benefits will be affected if you start work
Those 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 data from the Scottish Government reveals that nearly half a million households (one in five) were eligible for a Council Tax Reduction in March - full details on how to claim can be found here.
Pensioners on a low income might be entitled to an income boost, averaging £4,300, through Pension Credit. The most recent figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) suggest 760,000 people are eligible for this means-tested benefit but aren't claiming it.
Some pensioners believe that having savings or owning their home would make them ineligible for the means-tested benefit, however, an award of just £1 per week is enough to unlock other support.
Older individuals, or their friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they might receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK here. Alternatively, pensioners can ring the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234.
Who should check for unclaimed benefits or discounts?
You should check for unclaimed benefits 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
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