Virgin Money and national poverty charity Turn2us have helped thousands of people across the UK access unclaimed benefits and Tax Credits. Since the start of their partnership last year, they have helped 28,7081 people check their eligibility for additional financial support using the charity’s free and easy to use online calculator on the bank’s website.
Over £1.7 million in eligible grants and benefits support has been identified as a result. Turn2us estimates that those who use the calculator and find out they are entitled to unclaimed benefits then go on to receive an average of £5,300 in additional funds each year.
As demand for the service continues, Virgin Money and Turn2us have now extended their partnership for a further twelve months. This comes as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced people of State Pension age could be losing out on an average of £3,500 each year in Pension Credit.
The latest figures from DWP suggest that £1.7 billion is being left unclaimed by approximately 800,000 older people in Scotland, England and Wales.
Lyn Rose, head of store network and customer inclusion at Virgin Money, said: “With the rising cost of living continuing to impact households, it’s more important than ever to check whether you’re receiving the right support from the UK Government.
“If your circumstances have altered even slightly it’s worth spending the ten minutes it takes to complete the form to make sure you’re not missing out on boosting your income.
“We’ve already seen almost 30,000 people benefit from accessing the calculator via our website, and by continuing to work with Turn2us for at least another year we are aiming to reach many thousands more.”
Thomas Lawson, chief executive of Turn2us, said: “Too many people in our own communities are in financial crisis, or weighed down by the fear of tipping into it. In the same way as when we're sick, we turn to the NHS for help, welfare benefits are there to help when we’re experiencing financial difficulty. It’s not right that so many remain unclaimed.
“We urge people to check their benefits entitlement regularly with the free, easy-to-use and confidential Turn2us Benefits Calculator - it will show what support is available at a time when budgets are stretched as far as they can go.”
To access the benefits calculator, visit the Virgin Money website here.
To keep up to date with the latest cost of living news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook page here, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out daily, Monday to Friday - sign up here.
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