Finance guru Martin Lewis has issued a word of advice to anyone earning £60,000 or less that they may be eligible for certain benefits. The Money Saving Expert recently sent out a newsletter to fans, explaining in detail that there are billions of pounds worth of benefits that are going unclaimed every year in the UK.
This £19billion could be claimed even by those who think they don't qualify because they earn a certain amount of money annually. But the Government is able to help people out financially through a number of different schemes.
The Mirror reports that in his newsletter, Martin wrote: "We've long urged you to check to make sure you get all the benefits you're entitled to, knowing millions were due a share of billions. And many most in need of help, often having long paid into the system, are missing out.
"So with permission from Policy in Practice, we've taken its data of the numbers missing out on the main benefits, and added our own info on who can claim each of these many underclaimed benefits, to see if we can help get you what you're due..."
Universal Credit
The MSE newsletter states that over one million people are missing out on Universal Credit of around £9,600 a year - or £7.5billion overall. Martin said that those on low incomes are mostly known for claiming this benefit, but you can still claim it if your household income is up to £40,000 and you've got children, childcare costs and rent.
Council Tax support
It's estimated that around three million people in the UK are missing out on £1,000 worth of help a year with their council tax. Martin explained: "Every council runs its own scheme, so what you get depends on where you live, but it can cut your council tax bill by up to 100 per cent."
Those missing out on help mainly consist of those claiming Universal Credit or Pension Credit because they do not get it automatically and have to apply.
Carer's Allowance
Approximately half a million people who do unpaid care for others are failing to claim this benefit, which can provide them with £76.75 a week or £3,991 over the course of a year.
Martin explained: "Who's likely missing out? - you must care for someone who gets Attendance Allowance, or some on PIP or disability living allowance; spend 35+ hours a week helping with everyday tasks like washing, cooking and shopping; and earn less than £123/wk (after tax) or have a low state pension."
Pension Credit
Martin Lewis has campaigned about this benefit for years, as it's given to those who claim state pensions and are on a low income. About 850,000 pensioners are said to be eligible to claim but are currently not.
Martin said: "Pension Credit tops up your income. On average it's worth £3,500/yr, but claim even if you're only due 50p, as its SUPERPOWER is to qualify you for extra benefits like council tax reduction and free TV licences."
He also urged people to check if they are eligible and make a claim for the benefit before May 19 this year. If you make a claim before this date, then you will be entitled to receive the first £301 cost of living payment - you will also then be eligible for future cost of living payments.
Child Benefit
Over 750,000 families are not claiming Child Benefit payments and potentially missing out on of £2,075 a year. Child benefit is a payment made to parents or those who have sole parental responsibilities of a child until the child turns 16 or 20 if they are in full-time education of training.
Martin explained that new parents may be missing out as they have to apply for the benefit, and those who didn't claim as they earned more money but due to changed circumstances, they now qualify.
However, you can't claim Child Benefit if you earn over £60,000 a year and you will have to pay some back if you earn over £50,000 through the High Income Child Benefit Charge.
Housing Benefit
This could give pensioners an extra £5,000 to help with housing costs, but it's thought that a quarter of a million people are missing out. Martin explained: "For eligible under-66s, it's automatically part of Universal Credit, but not for those of state pension age and get Pension Credit.
"When you apply for Pension Credit, you can usually apply for Housing Benefit at the same time. If you already get Pension Credit, apply with your local council.
Broadband social tariffs
Social tariffs are cheaper than standard and are offered to people who are claiming certain benefits and on low incomes. With broadband, there are only a few supplier that provide them but those offer those eligible a bill of around £20 a month.
Martin added: "Only 3 per cent of those eligible have signed up, so if you're on Universal Credit especially, check it out."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to our daily newsletter here.
