Millions of people are estimated to be missing out on benefits even though they could be eligible, a new report has claimed. Nearly eight billion pounds worth of universal credit is not being claimed with over one millions eligible households missing out, according to new analysis by the Policy in Practice.
The new report published this week estimates that “£7.5 billion of universal credit is unclaimed by 1.2 million eligible households and £2.9 billion of council tax support is unclaimed by over 2.7 million eligible households each year." It also suggests that the total amount of unclaimed income-related benefits and social tariffs is nearly £19 billion a year, reports the Daily Record.
The think tank's blog post also highlighted that social tariffs are significantly underclaimed and found that broadband social tariffs have the lowest take up, with 97% of eligible households missing out on the cheaper rates tariffs. The report has urged people on means-tested benefits to check for eligibility with their provider, with so many missing out on help in the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Read more: DWP confirms how you can get £812 budgeting loan if you’re struggling to pay bills
While many are not availing of benefits, it can be difficult to know whether you actually qualify for them and what to do if you are eligible. Here are eight benefits, payments and discounts millions of people are currently missing out on, how much you could get and how you can apply for them. To get all the latest money-saving news straight to your inbox sign up here.
Universal credit
How many missing out: 1.25 million
What you could get per month: £292.11 - £368.74 (single) / £458.51 - £578.82 (couple)
How you get the money: You may be able to get universal credit if you’re on a low income or need help with your living costs. You 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
You can apply for universal credit online here.
Council tax support
How many missing out: up to 3 million
What you could get: A reduction in council tax of up to 100%
How you get the money: You could be eligible if you’re on a low income or claim benefits, and your bill could be reduced by up to 100%. You can apply if you own your home, rent, are unemployed or working. What you get depends on:
- where you live - each council runs its own scheme
- your circumstances (for example income, number of children, benefits, residency status)
- your household income - this includes savings, pensions and your partner’s income
- if your children live with you
- if other adults live with you
Individual local authorities run their own council tax discount schemes but it's not automatic in most cases, and households have to apply in order to avail of it. You can do that here by finding out which local authority you need to apply to.
Carer's allowance
How many missing out: 500,000
What you could get per week: £76.75
How you get the money: You can usually get it if you're aged 16 or over, you're not in full time education and you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for a disabled person (ie. someone receiving a payment such as PIP, DLA or other disability benefit.) Find out more and apply online here.
Pension credit
How many missing out: 850,000
What you could get: £201.05 (single) / £306.85 (couple)
How you get the money: Pension credit is designed to help people over state pension age and on a low income with daily living costs. However you do not need to be in receipt of state pension to receive it. You can start your application up to four months before you reach state pension age. This varies on the personal, and you can find out more about your state pension age here or apply for pension credit online here.
Child benefit
How many missing out: 765,000
What you could get: £24 (first or eldest child) / £15.90 (per additional child)
How you get the money: You normally qualify for it if you’re responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training) and you live in the UK. You’ll usually be responsible for a child if you live with them or you’re paying at least the same amount as child benefit (or the equivalent in kind) towards looking after them, for example on food, clothes or pocket money. This can also applies if you're fostering or adopting. You can apply online here.
Housing benefit
How many missing out: 260,000
What you could get: Depends on your living situation
How you get the money: 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 in the coming years and you can now only claim it if either you have reached state pension age or you’re in supported, sheltered or temporary housing. Otherwise you will need to claim universal credit. You can find out how to claim housing benefit here.
Free school meals
How many missing out: 244,689
What you could get: Free school meals for your children if they are in primary school and you are a low-income family
How you get the money: Although the Welsh Government is aiming to roll out free school meals to all children of primary school age by 2024, local authorities are administering the scheme at different paces, so what age your child will get them depends on where you live in Wales. You'll generally qualify if you're receiving benefits such as universal credit, working tax credits, ESA, income support or jobseeker's allowance. Find out your local authority and how to apply online here.
Broadband social tariffs
How many missing out: 5.3 million
What you could get: £180 a year in savings on your broadband
How you get the money: Social tariffs are long-term discounts on broadband for some benefit claimants. If you're on universal credit, other equivalent benefits or pension credit, check out whether your provider has a social tariff. According to Ofcom, many major suppliers offer social tariffs on broadband including NOW (£20 a month), Sky (£20 a month) and Virgin Media (£12.50 a month), with the criteria and qualifying benefits varying slightly depending on the provider. You can view a full list of the current tariffs, providers and criteria here. You can then contact your provider directly to apply.
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