Billions in benefits goes unclaimed each year – mostly by workers or pensioners who have paid into the system for years and need help but think ‘benefits aren’t for me’ or ‘I won’t qualify’. These are some of the main benefits that are massively under-claimed (figures from think tank Policy in Practice or Gov.uk):
UNIVERSAL CREDIT – 1.4 MILLION people miss out on up to £5,800 a year. The catch-all monthly benefit to support those of working age (with low or no income) with living & housing costs.
Who’s likely missing out?
Households with lower incomes, up to roughly £35,000/yr, though if you’ve kids, high childcare costs and rent, it could be £60,000/yr.
ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE (or in Aberdeen – Pension Age Disability Benefit) – 1.1 MILLION pensioners miss out on at least £3,778 a year. This is a non-means-tested benefit giving a fixed payout of £3,778/yr or £5,644/yr to cover some of the costs of providing help for those who need it.
Who’s likely missing out?
Those who have needed help over six months, day or night, with daily living (such as washing and eating) or supervision (someone to watch you if you’re a danger to yourself or others). It’s common for those with Parkinson’s, dementia, terminal illness, blindness and more.
COUNCIL TAX SUPPORT- up to 2.25 MILLION miss out on £1,500+ a year.
Who’s likely missing out?
If you qualify for means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit, you’re often due this, but it’s not automatic; YOU MUST APPLY, which is why so many miss out.
CARER’S SUPPORT PAYMENT – 530,000 carers miss out on up to £4,250 a year. This is a specific payment for some who act as unpaid carers – whether for a family member, spouse, child, or even someone they’re not related to.
Who’s likely missing out?
You must care for someone who usually gets Attendance Allowance, or some on Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance or Adult Disability Payment; spend 35+ hours a week helping with everyday tasks such as washing or cooking; and earn under £151/week or have a low State Pension.
PENSION CREDIT – 760,000 pensioner households miss out on £3,900 a year. Pension Credit tops up your income. On average it’s worth £3,900/yr, but claim even if you’re only due 50p, as its SUPERPOWER is to qualify you for extra benefits. These include the Winter Fuel Payment (if you’re eligible, you’ll need to apply by 21 December and backdate your claim to September to qualify for this year’s), Council Tax Reduction and free TV licences (if you’re over 75).
Who’s likely missing out?
Tough to say, but it’s worth a check if you’re of State Pension age and have a weekly income below £235 (£350 if you’re a couple, both of State Pension age).
HOUSING BENEFIT – 294,000 pensioners miss out on an average £4,400-a-year rent help. For eligible under-66s, support for housing costs is part of Universal Credit, but not for those of State Pension age.
Who’s likely missing out?
Renters eligible for Pension Credit, for instance, on a low income. When you apply for Pension Credit, you can usually apply for Housing Benefit at the same time. If you already get Pension Credit, apply through your council.
FREE SCHOOL MEALS – 470,000 families miss out. A cooked meal served to eligible under-18s during the school or college day.
Who’s likely missing out?
Many new Universal Credit (UC) claimants with very low, or no, income (who don’t realise you can only apply once you’ve had your first UC payment), and others who don’t know they may need to re-register at the start of every year for each child.
If you would like a free financial healthcheck to see if you can claim any benefits or financial support go to: https://www.lightningreach.org/application-portal