If you a struggling financially, it may be worth checking if you are entitled to these five benefits.
Millions of people are thought to be missing out on some form of benefit despite being entitled to the extra cash. According to Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis, around £19bn has gone unclaimed as people haven't come forward because they might not know they are entitled to the cash.
There are a range of benefits available to help top up incomes of low-earning families but many may not be aware they even exist. Now Martin is urging people who think they might be eligible for extra support to check what is available, reports BirminghamLive.
Read More: DWP rules explained as Universal Credit claimants say their payments have not increased yet
He said on the MoneySavingExpert website: "And many most in need of help, often having long paid into the system, are missing out." These are some of the benefits which go unclaimed. Eligibility details can be checked online.
Universal Credit
Some 1.25 million people are said to be missing out on Universal Credit payments which average at £9,600 a year. People could still be eligible for Universal Credit if they are in work - in fact, 40% of claimants are. Those with high childcare costs and rent may also be able to get extra support.
Council tax support
Individual local authorities run their own council tax discount schemes but it's not automatic in most cases, and households have to apply to get the support. Those on means-tested benefits are often eligible for this discount but if people aren't aware it exists they will end up missing out. It's thought up to three million who can don't get it.
Pension Credit
Pension Credit tops up the income of pensioners on lower incomes and can also qualify claimants for extra benefits like council tax reduction and free TV licences, so experts say it's worth claiming even if it's only worth a small amount. It could be worth an extra £3,500 a year.
Child benefit
This is available to parents of children under 16 (and under 20 if in full-time education) as long as no parent earns more than £60,000. But some new parents don't realise you need to register and miss out, while others who were high earners but their circumstances change also fail to claim.
Housing benefit
This is automatically part of Universal Credit for eligible people under 66, but not for those of state pension age. It means pensioners on relatively low incomes, such as renters, may be missing out on this benefit.
Read Next:
Benefits claimants can get up to £812 from DWP to spread the cost of household essentials
Four reasons why your Child Benefit payments could be stopped or reduced by HMRC
The financial help you can get if you have a disabled child including grants and cash payments
Child Benefit rules if your family splits up or if your child lives with someone else
All the Child Benefit changes you must report to HMRC or risk missing out on payments
