Latest news with #New-StyleJobseeker'sAllowance
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Millions are missing out on unclaimed benefits cash – check if you can get £7,537
New data published today by UK national anti-poverty charity Turn2us reveals £9.6billion in Universal Credit is currently left unclaimed by households who are entitled to extra help Millions of UK households are being urged to check if they're missing out on billions of pounds in unclaimed benefits and financial support. New data published today by UK national anti-poverty charity Turn2us reveals £9.6billion in Universal Credit is currently left unclaimed by households who are entitled to extra help. Universal Credit standard allowance is worth £628.10 a month if you're in a couple and both aged over 25. Over the year, this benefit would be worth £7,537.20. You may be entitled to less than this if you are employed or have deductions, or your claim may be higher if you have children and are entitled to extra amounts. There is also £588million in Carer's Allowance going unclaimed, and over £636million missed in New-Style Jobseeker's Allowance. Turn2us today revealed that over 1.5 million users of its free online benefits calculator - 60% of people in total who used it - found they were eligible for benefits they weren't claiming. 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.' Get the best deals and tips from Mirror Money WHATSAPP GROUP: Get money news and top deals straight to your phone by joining our Money WhatsApp group here. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Check if you are entitled to benefits It is a common misconception that you need to be out of work to claim benefits. There is help available for those who are on low incomes, plus support for those who care for a relative, and those with health issues. For example, you may be able to claim Universal Credit if you're out of work, or you're on a low income. If you're sick or disabled, you may be able to claim benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Turn2us has a free benefits calculator to help you work out if you are entitled to help. You'll need to input information about your living situation, your employment status, any savings you have, and if you currently already receive any benefits. If the calculator shows you may be eligible for support, you can either put in a claim for the relevant benefit yourself, or get help by contacting Turn2us. It comes after the DWP confirmed millions of people will receive their benefits or state pension early this weekend due to the August bank holiday, which falls this Monday, August 25. If you are due a payment on this date, then you should receive the money into your bank account on Friday, August 22 instead. This does mean you'll need to make the cash last a bit longer as there will be a slightly bigger gap until your next benefit payment. This applies to all the main benefits including Universal Credit, Child Benefit, State Pension, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Carer's Allowance, and Disability Living Allowance.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Parents and families urged to check right now if they can get unclaimed benefits
A new report has revealed that many people in the UK are missing out on billions of pounds in financial support - but you can check if you're eligible with a free online tool 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 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
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Parents, carers and working families urged to check for unclaimed benefits
The charity Turn2Us has discovered a staggering £9.6 billion in unclaimed benefits. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? Millions of UK households are missing out on billions of pounds in financial support, according to new data from the national anti-poverty charity Turn2us. Analysis of over 1.5 million users of the charity's free online Benefits Calculator suggests that, over the past year, 60 per cent of people discovered they were eligible for benefits they were not claiming. The charity found that £9.6 billion in Universal Credit is going unclaimed and 185,000 unpaid carers were not claiming £538 million in Carer's Allowance they were entitled to. A further £636m in New-Style Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) was not claimed by more than 135,000 people. Turn2us is now urging single parents, carers, and working families to check 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 describes the Turn2us Benefits Calculator as 'a true lifesaver' for her family. She said: '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.' The charity's Benefit Calculator has been supporting millions of people across the UK to navigate the social security system since 2013. It offers a quick, confidential and jargon-free way to explore the benefits you may be entitled to. 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: 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 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. 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 Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) suggest 760,000 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. 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 here. Alternatively, pensioners can contact 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 Other online benefit calculators 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. Turn2us Entitledto Policy in Practice 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
Daily Mirror
21-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Holiday mistakes could mean people are committing benefit fraud
Your benefits could be stopped or reduced as you're forced to pay back sums Benefit recipients planning a holiday abroad this summer must take three crucial steps before departure. Failure to do so could lead the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to view their trip as an intentional act of fraud. Firstly, you need to notify the office that handles your benefit. This could be the pension service, Jobcentre or your work coach, and you'll likely need to provide details of your departure date, destination, and expected return date. You may also need to justify your reason for travel, for instance, travelling overseas for medical treatment often allows more flexibility in continuing to claim benefits. This is necessary even if you're only going abroad for a brief visit. Some benefits may be suspended during your absence, while others will continue to be paid as usual. Secondly, if anything occurs while you're away that could impact your eligibility for benefits, you must report it as a change of circumstances to the DWP, just as you would if you were at home. This could include purchasing property, working, or claiming a pension or other benefits in another country. Lastly, if a benefit claimant passes away while abroad, the DWP must be notified immediately, and claims for pensions or benefits on behalf of the deceased must not continue to be claimed. Failing to adhere to these three rules could be considered benefit fraud. You might also need to fulfil certain conditions while you're overseas to continue claiming your benefit legitimately, although this will depend on the type of benefit you receive. For example, if you're receiving New-Style Jobseeker's Allowance, you must have registered at least four weeks before your trip commences. You'll also need to be actively seeking employment up until the day you depart. If you're on Universal Credit, you'll need to meet the eligibility criteria for the entire duration of your holiday. If you are incorrectly paid benefits while you are abroad, you may be required to repay the money you weren't eligible for. This is typically deducted from future benefit payments. Certain trips may also need to be curtailed if you want to keep your benefit payments going. For example, you can only claim Universal Credit during your first month abroad, unless you're undergoing medical treatment, in which case it can continue for up to six months. Your benefit eligibility abroad may also hinge on your destination. The following countries have social security agreements with the UK, meaning you can still claim some UK benefits if you immigrate: EEA countries Switzerland Barbados Bermuda Bosnia and Herzegovina Canada Channel Islands Gibraltar Israel Jamaica Kosovo Mauritius Montenegro New Zealand North Macedonia the Philippines Serbia Turkey US Further information about claiming benefits abroad and benefit fraud can be found on the website.
