Millions could be owed DWP benefits and Council Tax cuts | Personal Finance | Finance
Money Saving Expert is urging the public to take just 10 minutes to check if they’re entitled to additional financial support, including benefits and Council Tax reductions. A staggering £23 billion in income-related benefits and social tariffs remain unclaimed each year, according to analysis by think-tank Policy in Practice.
The organisation’s mission is to “maximise the income for low income households, making access to the welfare system simpler, fairer, and more efficient”. MSE.com has broken down the report, revealing that an estimated 1.4 million people may not be claiming Universal Credit, around 1.1 million pensioners could be eligible for Attendance Allowance, and about 760,000 others might qualify for Pension Credit.
Additionally, MSE.com highlights that roughly 530,000 individuals could claim Carer’s Allowance and a shocking 2.25 million Great Britain households are potentially missing out on up to £850 annually in Council Tax savings. This is a crucial alert for those on low incomes, with health conditions or disabilities, supporting families, or coping with recent bereavement, as they might be eligible for extra financial assistance, as reported by the Daily Record.
Summary of underclaimed means-tested benefits
A summary of underclaimed means-tested benefits reveals that up to 2.25 million people are missing out on an £850 discount each year for Council Tax Support. Additionally, 530,000 unpaid carers are not receiving their due Carer’s Allowance of £4,250 each year.
Housing Benefit is being missed by 294,000 State Pensioners, who could be getting an average of £4,400 each year in help with rental costs. Universal Credit is not being claimed by 1.4 million people, who could be receiving an average of up to £5,800 each year.
Attendance Allowance is being overlooked by 1.1 million people over State Pension age, who could be getting at least £3,778 each year. Pension Credit is not being claimed by 760,000 pensioners, who could be receiving an average of £4,200 State Pension boost each year.
MSE.com is urging everyone to use an online benefits calculator to ensure they are maximising their income. The team of experts also highlighted how a successful claim for one benefit can often lead to other financial support, including discounts and social tariffs.
If you’ve experienced a financial setback, or your household circumstances have changed, taking a few minutes to use one of the online benefit calculators could provide a much-needed income boost in 2025. Most benefits need to be claimed from the DWP or Social Security Scotland and while the end-to-end application journey time can take up to 17 weeks for disability payments, others have a much quicker turnaround, according to the Daily Record.
An online benefits calculator may not be a magic wand for financial woes, but it can provide a fairly accurate estimate of the amount you could potentially claim – however, it is up to you to actually submit the application.
Who should check for unclaimed benefits or discounts?
There’s a broad spectrum of benefits and payments that you should look into if:
- you have a child who is disabled or has a health condition
- You are over State Pension age on a low income
- you have lost a loved one
- you are of working age on a low income
- you are looking for work
- you’re caring for someone
- you have been made redundant
- you are disabled or have a health condition
- you are raising a family
- you are temporarily unable to work, including because of ill health
Online benefits calculator
Online benefits calculators can quickly ascertain if you’re missing out on any benefits. They are completely free, independent, and confidential to use – so there’s no risk involved.
In just a few minutes, you could find out how much additional support you might be eligible for by simply entering details about yourself, your residential status, your employment status, and any savings you have. An independent benefits calculator can guide you on where to seek assistance.
The benefits calculators listed below offer 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. Before you begin, gather the following information and the entire process should take about 10 minutes: Outgoings – such as rent, mortgage, childcare payments; Your latest Council Tax bill; Income, including your partner’s; Savings; Existing benefits and pensions – including anyone living with you.
