Universal credit, attendance allowance and pension credit are among the benefits that continue unclaimed each year.
The recently released September inflation figures will affect millions of people across the UK. The Consumer Price Index, released in October, fell to 1.7% – lower than in recent months.
The September calculation is particularly important as it is used to calculate how much benefits and the state pension will increase. It will also influence interest rates and shop prices.
With more people likely to feel the pinch in the coming months, the Money Saving Expert Newsletter – founded by Martin Lewis – has warned that billions of pounds worth of benefits are going unclaimed every year.
Universal Credit
What is it?
Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. It’s paid monthly – or twice a month for some people in Scotland.
You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work.
Who’s Eligible?
Those entitled to Universal Credit could be:
- out of work
- working (including self-employed or part time)
- unable to work, for example because of a health condition
- To claim you must:
Those entitled to Universal Credit could be:
out of work
working (including self-employed or part time)
unable to work, for example because of a health condition
To claim you must:
- live in the UK
- be aged 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 to 17)
- be under State Pension age
- have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments
- There are different eligibility rules if you’ve received a Migration Notice letter telling you to claim Universal Credit.
Council Tax Support
According to MSE 2.25 million people miss out on £1,500 plus a year.
what is it:
Each council runs its own scheme, so the base is different depending on where you live. However it can reduce council tax by up to 100%.
Who is Eligible?
- You may be eligible if you are on a low income or claiming benefits. What you get depends on:
- where you live
- your circumstances
- Your household income – this includes savings, pensions and your spouse’s income
- Who do you live with?
Carer’s Allowance
According to the MSE, some 530,000 carers miss out on up to £4,250 a year.
what is it
If you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits and you are not paid for it, you could get £81.90 a week.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility depends on several factors including:
- Which benefits the person you care for
- Do you share their care?
- How many hours of care do you provide?
- your age
- Are you in education?
- your earnings
- Do you receive a state pension?
Pension Credit
The MSE says 760,000 pensioner households miss out on £3,900 a year.
what is it
Pension Credit gives you extra money to help you with your living costs if you are over State Pension age and on a low income. It can also help with housing costs like ground rent or service charges. Pension Credit can unlock other important benefits such as winter fuel payments.
Who is Eligible?
You must live in Wales, England or Scotland and be of state pension age to qualify. How much you get depends on who you live with and your income.
Free School Meals
MSE says 470,000 families miss out on free school meals, which are worth £490 a year.
What is it?
A free cooked meal served to eligible under-18s during the school or college day.
Who’s eligible?
Families in Wales can check whether they qualify for free school meals here.
Housing Benefit
More than 290,000 pensioners miss out on an average £4,400-a-year rent help, MSE states.
What is it?
Housing Benefit can help you pay your rent if you’re unemployed, on a low income or claiming benefits. It’s being replaced by Universal Credit. For eligible people aged below 66 support for housing costs comes part of Universal Credit, but not for those of s state pension age.
Who’s eligible?
You can only make a new claim for Housing Benefit if either of the following apply:
you have reached state pension age
you’re in supported, sheltered or temporary housing
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