Almost £20million worth of benefits go unclaimed by Nottingham residents each year, according to latest figures. Nottingham City Council says that people just "don't know what they are entitled to". However, that could all be about to change.
As the UK finds itself in the midst of a cost of living crisis, households across the country are tightening their belts as budgets are squeezed. Any boost to incomes is welcome and it appears Nottingham households could be missing out on additional funds to which they are entitled.
Ask Lion, the city council's information and support website, states: "Now more than ever it's important that you are making sure you are getting any benefits you are entitled to, to boost your income." It added: "Many benefits go unclaimed because people don’t know what they are entitled to.
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"Last year Nottingham advice services helped people to unlock many millions of pounds of unclaimed benefits and tax credits – often by helping to overturn benefits decisions which were wrongly refused." Finding out exactly what you are entitled to is easier than you might think.
Nottingham city and county residents can check if they can claim any benefits by using an online benefits calculator. The Government website recommends using an independent, free and anonymous benefits calculator to check what you could be entitled to. It says that this will give you an estimate of:
- the benefits you could get
- how much your benefit payments could be
- how your benefits will be affected if you start work or increase your hours
- how your benefits will be affected if your circumstances change - for example, if you have a child or move in with your partner
How to access a benefits calculator
For information on income-related benefits, contribution-based benefits, Universal Credit, tax credits, council tax Reduction and Carer’s Allowance, use:
You can also check with a local benefits adviser to find out what you could be entitled to.
Here's what you’ll need before you start
You’ll need accurate information about your:
- savings
- income, including your partner’s (from payslips, for example)
- existing benefits and pensions (including anyone living with you)
- outgoings (such as rent, mortgage, childcare payments)
- council tax bill
Who cannot use them
You cannot use the calculators if you’re under 18, and they will not give accurate results if you’re:
- a prisoner
- a student
- not a British or Irish citizen
- on strike
- living outside the UK
- living permanently in residential care or a nursing home
For more details about benefits calculators, visit www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators. For more details about claiming the benefits you are entitled to, visit www.asklion.co.uk
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