Martin Lewis is urging millions of people across the UK to make sure they are receiving all the financial support they are entitled to by doing a quick online benefits check that only takes 10 minutes. During a special edition of The Martin Lewis Money Show Live, dedicated to the escalating mortgage crisis, the financial guru shared different things people can do right now if they are struggling to cope with increased costs.
The founder of MoneySavingExpert.com said the first thing on everyone’s list should be to contact their lender and tell them they are having financial difficulties. Under the new charter, which most mortgage lenders have signed up to, they are obliged under those regulatory rules to offer help and advice to borrowers.
Reviewing your household budget should also be near the top of the to-do list, however, one many people may not think of, or may not feel it applies to them is to check for unclaimed benefits or discounts.
Martin explained a whopping £19billion in unclaimed financial support is being missed out on and households with a total income of up to £40,000 - especially those with children or high rent costs - should use an online calculator to quickly find out if they should make a claim.
Martin told viewers: “Do a budget to work out where your spending goes, start with pain-free savings to find out whether you can get the same for less.” This includes everything you pay for such as mobile phones, broadband and subscription services. He added that if that’s not enough then cut back on other household spending.
He added: “If you’ve got household income of up to £40,000, especially at the higher level if you’ve got kids or a high rent, get yourself on to a benefits calculator and spend 10 minutes to see if you’re missing out on any entitlements - £19bn of entitlements are not being claimed by people who are due them so it’s worth the check.
You can use the 10-minute tool on MoneySavingExpert.com here, or try one fo the free, independent and impartial online benefits calculators listed below - they all offer the same information and require the same details.
Who should check for unclaimed benefits or discounts?
There is a wide range of benefits and payments available you should check for.
You should check if:
- you are temporarily unable to work, including because of ill health
- you are of working age on a low income
- you’re over State Pension age on a low income
- you have been made redundant
- you are looking for work
- you are raising a family
- you have a child who is disabled or has a health condition
- you are disabled or have a health condition
- you’re caring for someone
- you have lost a loved one
How to check eligibility for benefits or payments
The quickest way to check is to use an online confidential benefits calculator - there’s even one that checks eligibility for devolved benefits. Below is everything you need to know about benefits calculators including what they check for and how to use them.
What is an online benefits calculator?
Online benefit calculators quickly work out if you are missing out on any benefits and best of all, they are completely free, independent and confidential to use - so there’s nothing to lose.
In just a few minutes you could find out how much you may be able to claim in extra support, just by entering details about yourself, your residential status, your working status and any savings you have.
You can use an independent benefits calculator to find out:
- What benefits you could get
- How to claim
- How your benefits will be affected if you start work
Where to find help
Advice Direct Scotland
This online tool is the first to fully integrate devolved benefits, including the Scottish Child Payment. It provides a free and impartial assessment of entitlement to a range of benefits such as Universal Credit, crisis grants and support payments.
Turn2us
Information on income-related benefits, Tax Credits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit and how your benefits will be affected if you start work or change your working hours.
Policy in Practice
Information on income-related benefits, Tax Credits, contribution-based benefits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit, how these are calculated and how your benefits will be affected if you start work or change your working hours.
entitledto
Information on income-related benefits, Tax Credits, contribution-based benefits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit and how your benefits will be affected if you start work.
What you will need
You will need accurate information about your:
Savings
Income, including your partner’s
Existing benefits and pensions (including anyone living with you)
Outgoings (such as rent, mortgage, childcare payments)
Latest Council Tax bill
To keep up to date with the latest cost of living news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook page here, follow us on Twitter @Record_Money, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out Monday to Friday - sign up here.
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